A second-half goal by Myanmar winger Maung Maung Lwin led a South East Asia XI to victory, disappointing the 72,550 fans at Bukit Jalil Stadium. Many attendees had spent up to £260 to see Manchester United, who hadn’t played in Malaysia since 2009.
After the match, United’s coach, Amorim, reflected on the team’s struggles. “I feel guilty for our performance since I joined,” he said. Fans booed at the end, but Amorim suggested that criticism might be necessary for improvement. He acknowledged, “Every time we lost in the Premier League, the supporters stood by us. We need to see what next season holds.”
Though he was tight-lipped about player Cunha’s situation, he hinted at changes ahead. “You’ll have to wait until next season for updates,” he stated, emphasizing that he had no announcements to make.
This season has been challenging for United. They finished 15th in the Premier League with just 42 points, marking their worst season since 1973-74 when they were relegated. Additionally, they recently lost the Europa League final to Tottenham 1-0, missing out on next year’s Champions League.
Despite these setbacks, the club’s tour could bring in about $10 million (£7.8 million), a silver lining after a grueling season with 60 games.
Looking at the bigger picture, a survey by the Sports Marketing Agency shows that international tours significantly boost clubs’ revenues and fan engagement. Such tours offer a chance for fans worldwide to connect with teams they love, even when local performances falter. As United looks to rebuild, this connection could be crucial for their future.
For more insights, you might find additional details in reports by Forbes or the BBC that delve into the financial impact of sports tours on clubs like Manchester United.
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