KUALA LUMPUR – Asean All-Stars captain Sergio Aguero says the 1-0 win over English powerhouse Manchester United in the Maybank Challenge Cup has done wonders for his self-belief, declaring that he now feels ready to take on any team in the world.
The Harimau Malaya naturalised striker said he felt proud just to feature in a match against one of football’s most storied clubs — and that the hard-fought victory, witnessed by 72,550 fans at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, made the night even more unforgettable.
“It’s an amazing feeling, of course — a historic moment for us. Not just because of the win; just being able to participate in this match made me very happy. And the win was a bonus.
“The team that we played against, they are top. Their control of the ball and the passes that they make is crazy. So yes, I consider it a historic moment for myself also,” he told reporters in the mixed zone after the match.
The 31-year-old Sri Pahang FC forward added that going head-to-head with the 13-time Premier League champions helped him grow in confidence and strengthened his faith in his own abilities.
“I started to feel confident with the ball over time. I began to trust myself more as well. Now, I feel like I can play against anyone. I feel confident,” said the Argentine-born attacker.
Myanmar-born winger Maung Maung Lwin proved decisive on the night, netting the winning goal in the 71st minute to secure a famous result for the Asean All-Stars — while compounding the woes of Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United after a difficult campaign.
Aguero also shared that he had a brief post-match chat with several Manchester United players, including fellow Argentine Alejandro Garnacho and Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
“I spoke to Garnacho because he’s from Argentina and has played for the national team — very nice guy. I also spoke to Casemiro as he played in Spain for a long time and speaks Spanish. They looked tired — too much travel, having just played a final and the last league game before flying here,” he said.
Pressed on his future with Sri Pahang FC ahead of the 2025/2026 Malaysia Super League season, Aguero declined to comment.
The match marked Manchester United’s first appearance in Malaysia since their 2009 pre-season tour, where they registered back-to-back wins over the Malaysia XI — 3-2 and 2-0 — on July 18 and 20 at the same venue.
Following their stop in Kuala Lumpur, the Red Devils — who endured a poor season by their standards, finishing 15th in the Premier League with 42 points — will continue their pre-season tour with a trip to Hong Kong. They are scheduled to face the Hong Kong national team at the Hong Kong Stadium on May 30. – May 29, 2025
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