Kuala Lumpur, 28 May, 2025 – Nguyen Hai Long’s performance in the 1-0 victory of the ASEAN All-Star team against Manchester United has been highly praised by international fans.
Although Hai Long played just 45 minutes in the match between the ASEAN All-Stars and Manchester United (held at 19:45 at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia), the 2000-born midfielder still made a strong impression. Playing as a right-attacking midfielder with the unfamiliar number 9 shirt, Hai Long was dynamic, frequently dribbling from the right wing into the center, ready to take on world-class defenders such as Patrick Dorgu and Harry Maguire.
His confidence was evident not only in his dribbling, pace, and control but also in his persistence to take shots at goal. Hai Long attempted three shots in the match, all in the first half. These included a left-footed shot just wide of the post, a free-kick with his right foot that sailed over the bar, and another left-footed attempt that missed the target.
Despite not scoring, Hai Long’s energetic and unpredictable performance earned him praise from international viewers. The ASEAN All-Star team won 1-0 against Manchester United, thanks to a second-half goal from Muang Muang Lwin.
“Player number 9 for the ASEAN All-Stars played better than our Manchester United,” commented fan “Biilly” on social media platform X.
“Can we trade for the number 9 player from the ASEAN All-Stars? This player, Hai Long Nguyen, is very classy,” fan “Zirkzeason” added. Another fan, “Amorim’s Reds,” remarked, “Number 9 is playing really well.”
Some international fans, after watching the match, even hoped Manchester United would consider signing Hai Long. “After 25 minutes, I wondered if Manchester United should buy number 9 from the ASEAN All-Stars. Every attack from him has really caused problems for Manchester United’s defense,” commented “The United Stand,” a popular Manchester United news account.
“Number 9 from the ASEAN All-Stars would be an ideal backup option for Bryan Mbeumo (the Brentford striker Manchester United is reportedly targeting),” shared “TheFergusonWay.”
Notably, the praise for Hai Long came from experienced Manchester United fans on social media. While these comments may have been partly driven by the frustration of Manchester United’s defeat to a Southeast Asian team, it is undeniable that Hai Long had an outstanding game and impressed professionally.
Hai Long, born in 2000, currently plays for Hanoi FC. The 25-year-old midfielder was promoted to the V.League in 2020 with Than Quang Ninh. In 2022, Hai Long moved to Hanoi FC, where he has remained ever since. In the 2024-2025 season, Hai Long has played 21 matches in the V.League and scored 5 goals.
Hai Long was discovered and highly valued by Coach Kim Sang-sik during the 2024 AFF Cup, where he scored 2 goals, including the opening goal for Vietnam in the tournament and the decisive goal in the final against Thailand, helping Vietnam claim the title.
Hai Long has become a key player for the Vietnam national team, playing as a right midfielder. Transfermarkt values him at 225,000 euros, roughly 6.6 billion VND.
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