Ruben Amorim Says 'I’m to Blame' as Man Utd Booed After Shock Loss to ASEAN All-Stars

 

Manchester United’s turbulent season took another sour turn on Wednesday as they were booed off the pitch following a shock 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur. The Red Devils, led by recently appointed head coach Ruben Amorim, endured an embarrassing start to their lucrative £8million post-season tour of Asia.

A sparse and lacklustre performance at the Bukit Jalil Stadium saw Maung Maung Lwin score the only goal of the game in the second half, handing United a surprise loss in the Maybank Challenge Cup. With over 72,000 fans in attendance, the reaction was telling — loud jeers filled the stadium at the final whistle, a stark contrast to the usual unwavering support at Old Trafford.

Amorim, who has been trying to instill a new philosophy at the club, took full responsibility for the performance, stating, "I am always guilty of the performance of the team. Since the first day I arrived, I’ve said that. So, yes, I am guilty." He even suggested that the booing might be necessary to jolt his players back to reality. "Maybe we need it. Every time we lost in the Premier League, the fans were still there cheering. This reaction shows them it’s not acceptable anymore."

This match came just days after United ended their domestic campaign with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa, a result Amorim had used to assure fans that "the good days are coming." That optimism was quickly dampened by the uninspired showing against a team of Southeast Asian stars, underscoring the size of the rebuilding task ahead.

Amorim rotated his squad heavily in the friendly, but it did little to disguise the team's fatigue and disorganization. The result also followed last week’s crushing Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, adding to the mounting frustration around a season many have already labelled a disaster.

Despite the boos, Amorim pointed to the fans’ presence and passion as a positive: "Even after the game, as we walked off, they were still with us. That support means something. Let’s wait for next season."

United now look to salvage pride in their final post-season fixture, knowing full well that performances — even in friendlies — matter when the club’s image and future direction hang in the balance.