Hanoi, April 19, 2025 – Hanoi Police FC coach Mano Polking has cast doubt on allowing star midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai to join the ASEAN All-Stars for their high-profile friendly against Manchester United on May 28, 2025, at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Malaysia. Quang Hai, alongside Hanoi FC’s Do Duy Manh and Phu Dong Ninh Binh’s Nguyen Hoang Duc, was named to the squad, but his participation hinges on his club’s approval.
The match, part of the Maybank Challenge Cup, falls outside FIFA Days, meaning clubs like Hanoi Police FC aren’t obligated to release players. As the ASEAN All-Stars isn’t a national team, the decision rests solely with the players’ clubs. Hanoi Police FC, the 2023 V.League champions, face a grueling late-May schedule, compounded by injuries to key players like Leo Artur, who has missed recent matches.
Speaking after Hanoi Police FC’s 2-1 win over Ho Chi Minh City FC on April 17, Polking expressed caution. “I need to monitor Quang Hai’s condition closely—our schedule in late May is packed,” he said. “If Hai isn’t fully fit, I’ll ask the club to intervene and keep him from going to Malaysia to face United. Playing him against Ho Chi Minh City FC was a last resort, as he’s not at 100%.” Quang Hai, subbed on in the 65th minute, assisted Phan Van Duc’s winner, per V.League stats, but showed signs of fatigue.
Should Hanoi Police FC withhold Quang Hai, the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) may select another Vietnamese player to join coach Kim Sang Sik’s squad. Potential replacements include The Cong Viettel’s Nguyen Duc Chien or Song Lam Nghe An’s Nguyen Van Viet, both standout performers in the 2024 ASEAN Cup. The AFF aims to finalize the roster soon, with stars like Cambodia’s Kan Mo already confirmed.
The friendly, supporting Malaysia’s YASA charity, pits Southeast Asia’s finest against United’s Premier League stars like Marcus Rashford. Hanoi Police FC’s decision could impact Vietnam’s representation, especially after Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s recent V.League struggles highlighted the need for regional exposure. Fans await clarity as ticket sales, starting at 50 ringgit (300,000 VND), surge for the 84,000-seat venue.
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