Kuala Lumpur, May 7, 2025 – With Nguyen Quang Hai (Hanoi Police FC) unavailable for the ASEAN All-Stars’ friendly against Manchester United on May 28 at Bukit Jalil Stadium, coach Kim Sang-sik has named Nguyen Hai Long (Hanoi FC) and Nguyen Van Vi (Nam Dinh FC) as replacements. The Maybank Challenge Cup clash, per AFF announcements, will feature Vietnam’s Nguyen Hoang Duc (Ninh Binh FC), Do Duy Manh (Hanoi FC), Hai Long, and Van Vi.
Originally, Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, and Duy Manh were selected by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) for the All-Stars squad, drawn from 12 member nations to showcase Southeast Asia’s talent, akin to Hanoi Police FC’s regional exploits. Kim, Vietnam’s national team coach, lauded the opportunity: “Leading ASEAN’s finest in this landmark match is an honor. We’re showcasing our region’s pride and strength to the world.” The 85,500-capacity Bukit Jalil, rivaling The Cong Viettel’s Hang Day crowds, sets the stage for a global spectacle.
The All-Stars, including stars like Thailand’s Chanathip Songkrasin and Indonesia’s Pratama Arhan, face Manchester United, a club with 1.1 billion fans worldwide, per Forbes. AFF President Khiev Sameth said, “This match against a storied English giant bridges cultures and marks ASEAN football’s growth, spotlighting talents like Hoang Duc, who mirrors Song Lam Nghe An’s flair.” The game, echoing Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s international friendlies, aims to elevate ASEAN’s profile.
Ticket prices, announced by organizers, cater to diverse fans: the cheapest (CAT 7, Stands B/D) cost 50 ringgit (300,000 VND), with others at 100 ringgit (577,000 VND), 250 ringgit (1.44 million VND), 380 ringgit (2.19 million VND), 580 ringgit (3.34 million VND), 780 ringgit (4.5 million VND), and VIP (Stand A) at 1,500 ringgit (~8.65 million VND), excluding fees, per Ticketmaster Malaysia. The 300,000-577,000 VND range, affordable compared to European club friendlies costing millions, reflects Bukit Jalil’s vast capacity, unlike Ho Chi Minh City FC’s Thong Nhat.
Hai Long, with three V.League assists, and Van Vi, a Nam Dinh FC standout, join Hoang Duc (six goals) and Duy Manh, a 2024 AFF Cup winner, to challenge United’s stars like Marcus Rashford, per ESPN. Kim’s 4-2-3-1, tested in Vietnam’s 3-0 Thailand win, aims to exploit United’s flanks, mirroring Becamex Binh Duong’s wing play. The match, streamed live, offers Hai Long a stage to shine, akin to Thanh Hoa FC’s Nguyen Xuan Son, as ASEAN aims to stun 80,000 expected fans and elevate its global standing.
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