Hoang Duc meets MU stars today: More than just a friendly match

While the top attacking stars of Vietnamese football in recent years such as Quang Hai and Cong Phuong have had the opportunity to play abroad, Hoang Duc has yet to step onto a major playing field. Now, the match against MU players at 7:45 p.m. on May 28 at Bukit Jalil Stadium (Malaysia) is an opportunity for him to prove himself.

THE UNFINISHED DREAM

At the age of 26, Hoang Duc has had a nearly perfect career, conquering milestones that many professional players dream of. He stood at the top of the V-League with the Viettel The Cong Club. In the national team's jersey, he won the 2024 AFF Cup championship, with 2 SEA Games gold medals. The midfielder from Hai Duong also has many noble individual titles with 2 times winning the Vietnam Golden Ball, 1 time winning the V-League Best Player award.

Hoang Duc practices on May 27 with the Southeast Asian star team

Photo: Thuy An

Hoang Duc and Southeast Asian stars will compete against MU Club

Photo: Ngoc Linh

Watching Hoang Duc play, many experts and fans believe that he needs to go abroad to conquer new challenges and heights. Hoang Duc has also been noticed by many foreign teams thanks to his physique, personal skills and good football thinking. However, Hoang Duc's overseas deals in the past few years have all fallen into a deadlock for various reasons. And the fact that Vietnam's top midfielder has not been able to play in a more classy, ​​harsh environment has become a great regret.

Coach Kim Sang-sik (wearing a hat)....

... and the Southeast Asian all-star team practiced on May 27.

Photo: Thuy An

Therefore, when his name was included in the Southeast Asian star squad to play against MU, Hoang Duc naturally became the most anticipated name from the Vietnamese team. The moment this star meets world-class players like Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro… will certainly excite Vietnamese football fans.

MU NOT "PLAYING FOR FUN"?

Although this is just a friendly match, mainly a tool for MU to make money (according to BBC, the "Red Devils" will pocket 10 million USD after this match), coach Ruben Amorim still affirmed that he and his students will do their best to win. In the press conference before the match against the Southeast Asian star team, the Portuguese strategist affirmed: "There are always millions of fans watching every MU match. Therefore, we have to play with dedication and show respect in any match". Mason Mount also shared: "Bruno always said that when you play for MU, you represent the club and have to play with all your heart. MU always craves victory in every match. We are very eager to show ourselves against a team of many stars in the Southeast Asian region".

Coach Amorim (middle) and MU have arrived in Malaysia

MU needs to be determined to win the match against Southeast Asian stars to regain the trust of fans. The 2024-2025 season was a big disappointment when the "Red Devils" finished in 15th place in the Premier League - their worst performance in the modern era. The door to the European Cup 1 was also closed when MU fell to Tottenham in the Cup Winners' Cup final. At this time, every match, even if it is only a friendly, is an opportunity for coach Ruben Amorim and his team to show their seriousness, determination and rebuild the image of a big team. A victory against Southeast Asian stars is not only of professional significance but also helps MU send a message: they will come back stronger after a failed season.

Coach Amorim also affirmed that he will give many young players a chance, test the squad, and prepare for the new season right now. That is why each individual, when entering the field, needs to make an effort to show their desire and ability to maintain their position (for first-team players) as well as catch the eye of Coach Amorim (for young players).

The match at Bukit Jalil Stadium is not just a normal friendly match. This is an opportunity for MU to regain their image after a disappointing season, the first step of preparation for the "Red Devils" in the journey to regain their glory. The match is also an opportunity for Vietnamese football fans to see Hoang Duc, our top star, confidently striding in front of world stars. Although it is just an exhibition match, the emotions and desire to express themselves are always real and worth the wait.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hoang-duc-gap-cac-ngoi-sao-mu-hom-nay-hon-ca-mot-tran-giao-huu-185250527214114105.htm