RETURN OF MAN U A VERY MEANINGFUL MOMENT - FAM PRESIDENT

Kuala Lumpur, April 11 (Bernama) -- Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub has described Manchester United’s return to Malaysia after 16 years as a very meaningful moment for national football.

He said the match would not only be of world standard but represented the progress and growth of football culture in the region.

“The match is special for Malaysia as it is exclusive in the ASEAN region. Being host to a club as big as Manchester United is a very meaningful moment for Malaysian and ASEAN football.

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“We urge fans to fill the stadium and support this unforgettable occasion,” he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) president Maj Gen Khiev Sameth said the match between the ASEAN All-Stars and the English League giants was a crowning moment for football in the region.

“To watch our best players go up against one of the world’s largest clubs is not only historic but a benchmark for football in this region. Their match represents confidence, hard work and unity,” he said.

Manchester United last played in Malaysia during their 2009 pre-season tour, beating Malaysia XI twice, 3-2 on July 18 and 2-0 on July 20 at National Stadium.

Besides the Match in Malaysia, Manchester United will also play Hong Kong in Hong Kong Stadium on May 30, Leeds United in Stockholm on July 19 before departing for the United States for the Premier League Summer Series against West Ham United (July 26), Bournemouth (July 30) and Everton (Aug 3).

-- BERNAMA