Singha All Star XI welcomed Manchester United to Bangkok in David Moyes's first game in charge of the Premier League champions on Saturday.
It was the home side that twice came close to taking the lead in the first period through Teeratep Winothai, but the captain could not find a way past the impressive Ben Amos.
Winothai was on target in the early stages of the second half, however, this time beating Amos with a cool finish into the bottom corner.
United did have a host of chances in the final moments of the match, but Singha held on to secure a famous victory against the Premier League outfit.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! United’s pre-season preparations begin in Bangkok as the Premier League champions clash with Singha All Star XI at the Rajamangala Stadium. It is understood that the match is a sell-out, which should provide a competitive atmosphere for the Premier League outfit, who have a number of their first-team players available.
This afternoon will also see David Moyes take charge of his first match as Manchester United boss after taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson on July 1. This is only a pre-season match, but Moyes and his staff will be given a taster of just how big a club United are during their summer tour. Already the atmosphere inside the stadium is just incredible.
Looking ahead for a moment, following this match, United face A-League all Stars on July 20, before travelling to Yokohama F-Marinos three days later. A clash with Cerezo Osaka follows on July 26, before the five-match tour is completed with a tie against Kitchee FC on July 29.
United return to European soil to face AIK Fotboll on August 6, before Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial against Sevilla takes place at Old Trafford on August 9. The Community Shield follows two days later against Wigan Athletic, before United open their league campaign with a tough trip to Swansea City on August 17.
Taking a look at United’s opponents for a moment, as mentioned, the Singha All Star XI will be made up of a group of players selected from different clubs in the Thai Premier League. Meanwhile, the squad also includes non-Thai born players that play their club football in Thailand’s major football league.
The team will be managed by director of the Thai Premier League Dr. Vichit Yamboonruang, while he will be assisted by head coach and former Thailand international Piyapong Pue-on, who netted 103 times for his country. There is no question that all involved will be keen to take a major scalp against the English champions this afternoon.
United’s opponents will also be more advanced in terms of their fitness with the Thai season currently in the mid-part of the campaign. As mentioned, all of the tickets have been sold for the match, with the majority around the stadium wearing the colours of Manchester United, rather than supporting their local team.
Much has been said about the future of Wayne Rooney in the build-up to the new season, but Moyes has reiterated that the former Everton striker is not for sale. Whether that is indeed the case remains to be seen, but a number of Rooney’s teammates have suggested that the England international is in the best physical shape of his career.
However, the England striker will play no part in pre-season after being sent home with a hamstring injury, while he is also expected to miss the start of the league season. In terms of the players available, there is no question that Ferguson had his favourites in the squad, but now the likes of Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley must prove that they should form part of the first XI next season.
There remain doubts about the future of Nani and Anderson, with neither enjoying successful campaigns last season. The former has not travelled with the squad due to a nose injury, while it remains to be seen whether he will be part of the team come the end of the transfer window. Anderson’s future is less clear with Moyes’s current lack of midfield options.
While Manchester City have flashed the cash this summer, United’s only summer signing to date has been little-known Guillermo Varela. It had been thought that Barcelona midfielder Thiago was close to joining the club, but it now appears that Bayern Munich are the favourites to secure his signature with former Catalan boss Pep Guardiola pulling the strings.
Moyes has vowed to continue with the United way of playing this season, but the Scot also insisted that he would rather win ugly than lose playing well. It will indeed be fascinating to see how the former Everton boss moulds his team in the build-up to the new season, which is little over a month away.
A move for Leighton Baines has also stalled in recent weeks with Everton refusing to part with the England left-back. Such transfer speculation has reportedly unnerved Patrice Evra, who has been a constant in the United team in recent seasons. No movement has been made thus far, but I expect that will change in the coming weeks.
In terms of the numbers available for Moyes in this match, 19 players flew out as part of the original party on Wednesday. Just a note that three first-team stars, Robin van Persie, David de Gea and Shinji Kagawa will join up with the squad in the latter stages, but Mexican striker Javier Hernandez will not feature due to his involvement in the Confederations Cup.
Andres Lindegaard and Ben Amos are the two goalkeepers that have been selected to travel with the original party, while the defence includes Rafael, Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Alexander Buttner, Fabio and Michael Keane.
Michael Carrick, Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ryan Giggs, Wilfried Zaha, Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj will all provide midfield options for Moyes, but the Scot has just one striker available in the shape of Danny Welbeck. All personnel on display will certainly be keen to impress their new boss. Team news is expected in the next couple of moments.
The tour will be especially important to the likes of Lindegaard and Buttner, who both struggled for minutes last season. Fabio, who spent an unhappy period with Queens Park Rangers last season, will also be keen to prove his worth. Meanwhile, youngsters Lingard, Keane and Januzaj have all been tipped for bright futures.
TEAMS:
Singha All Star XI: To follow.
Manchester United: Amos; Fabio, Ferdinand, Evans, Buttner; Cleverley, Carrick, Anderson; Giggs, Januzaj; Welbeck
So there we have it. Proud moment for young midfielder Januzaj, who is expected to operate behind Welbeck on this warm evening in Thailand. Fabio and Buttner also start in defence, but Zaha is named on the bench. We are still awaiting confirmation of the home team, but I shall bring you up-to-date as soon as possible.
Right, we are just about two minutes from kickoff. Moyes's spell as boss of the Premier League champions begins here. Fitness rather than the result will be prioritised, but Moyes will be keen to start with a victory. Still we await the team news for the home side this evening. They are keeping it very secretive!
TEAMS:
Singha All Star XI: Taweekul; Kim, Thamaphan, Ri, Daosawang; Thonglao, Phanrit, Djurovski, Siaka; Winothai, Dangda
Manchester United: Amos; Fabio, Ferdinand, Evans, Buttner; Cleverley, Carrick, Anderson; Giggs, Januzaj; Welbeck
Here we go then. New manager, new coaching staff, but this is still Manchester United. The atmosphere inside the stadium is just stunning as United get the fixture underway five minutes later than expected. Hardly a full strength team on display, but there is still plenty of quality available for the English outfit. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the action. I am certainly expecting goals.
As expected, United have taken control of the possession in the early stages of the match with Ferdinand, Evans and Buttner all enjoying early touches in their own half. A loose touch from Giggs hands possession to Daosawang, but his through pass is collected by Amos.
It is understood that there are around 20m followers of United from Thailand, which is just incredible. Again it's bright work from United as Buttner combines with Giggs before whipping a low cross into the box, but Thamaphan is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Decent tempo in the opening four minutes of this match.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side to open the scoring as Winothai beats the offside trap before advancing on goal, but Evans is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Singha All Star have certainly come to play this evening with their fitness levels high at this stage of the year.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking possession for United with the Premier League champions too often caught labouring in the opposing half. A corner kick for the home side threatens to harm United, but Anderson rises in the box before finding Welbeck on the counter. Strong opening eight minutes from the Thai outfit.
It's good work from Anderson as the Brazilian finds Januzaj down the left, the Belgian in turn finds Cleverley in the box, but the midfielder can only scuff his effort wide of the post. Just about the closest United have come to opening the scoring thus far. Really high tempo in the opening 10 minutes with both sides prepared to cover every inch of grass.
Again it's bright work from Cleverley as the United midfielder clips a pass towards Welbeck, but Kim is across to make the challenge. Decent possession from the home side in the last couple of moments, but it is not really threatening to harm the Premier League champions. Still goalless with 12 minutes on the clock.
Again it's bright work from the home side as Dangda collects possession on the left before driving into the box, but he decides to look for goal, rather than find a teammate in the middle. Not too much for Welbeck to get excited about down the other end, meanwhile, with the England striker incredible isolated thus far. Really competitive match between these two sides.
Opportunity for United to test Taweekul from outside the box as Siaka is adjudged to have handled some 25 yards from goal. The resulting set piece is taken by Giggs, but his effort is straight into the wall. Buttner manages to collect outside the box before finding Welbeck, but Ri is across to make a fine challenge.
Bright spell for United in the last couple of moments with Januzaj and Anderson combining well outside the box. The former attempts to deliver a low cross towards Welbeck, but the danger is cleared. Just a few signs that the Premier League outfit are starting to dominate the possession in the final third. Fabio whips a dangerous cross into the box moments later, but it is too high for Welbeck.
Impressive opening 21 minutes from Januzaj, who has seen plenty of the ball thus far. The young Belgian has been given the licence to roam thus far, with the home side struggling to match his movement. Another deep cross from Fabio causes concern, but twice Kim is on hand to head clear. Still no goals with 21 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. The home side have had the game's outstanding chance, however, compared to a couple of half-chances for United. I must admit I have been surprised by the quality of Singha All Star thus far. They can play a bit that is for certain.
CHANCE! It's wonderful football from United as Fabio collects possession on the right before finding Januzaj with a searching cross, but the young Belgian can only clip over the crossbar. Plenty of positive signs from the youngster in the early stages of this match. There is no question that United are now on top with 25 minutes on the clock.
United continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area, but the home side must be praised for their organisation thus far. However, you question whether they will be able to maintain those levels for the entirety of the match. Welbeck has finally returned to the pitch following a brief spell of treatment.
Half-chance for Thonglao as the midfielder strikes an effort from outside the box, but Amos was always comfortable in claiming the danger. Welbeck comes close to bursting into the box down the other end, but the England striker cannot collect the long pass from Anderson. Little over 15 minutes of the first half remaining with the two sides still level at 0-0.
Again it's bright work from United as Giggs combines with Anderson before bursting into the box, but the Welshman loses possession before losing out to Ri. Cleverley finds Welbeck moments later, but this time Thonglao is back to make the clearance. End-to-end football in the last few moments with both sides prepared to commit players to attack.
Again it's really smart football from the away side as Carrick combines with Giggs before finding Buttner down the left, but Thamaphan is across to make the challenge. Januzaj is involved moments later as he dances into the box before finding a cross to the back post, but it drifts over the head of Welbeck. Meanwhile, the home side make their first change as Daosawang is replaced by Puangjan.
United follow with a change of their own as Brazilian right-back Rafael is introduced in place of Buttner. It appears that the Dutchman has picked up a knock of some sort in the opening 36 minutes of this match. Rafael has moved to the right of the defence, while his brother Fabio has moved to the left. Half-chance for Welbeck moments later, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side as Winothai bursts beyond the United back four before striking an effort towards goal, but Amos is across to make a fine save. The resulting corner also causes concern in the United box, but again their goalkeeper is on top form. Plenty of intent from Singha this evening.
Couple of half-chances for United in quick succession with Januzaj and Fabio both coming close within a matter of moments, but neither is able to really test the opposing goalkeeper. Singha beak down the other end with Dangda, but his pass towards Siaka is collected by Evans. Still goalless with 41 minutes on the clock.
The home side are forced into another change as Kim leaves the field with a hamstring injury. His replacement is Apiwat. That's two changes for Singha in this first period and one for United with Buttner leaving the field with a suspected hamstring injury. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the final few moments of this half.
Half-chance for the home side once more as Djurovski curls an effort from outside the box, but Amos is across to make the save at the vital moment. Anderson has a half-chance moments later following a through pass from Welbeck, but the Brazilian's touch is poor at the vital moment. Little under one minute of the half remaining.
HALF-TIME: Singha All Star XI 0-0 Manchester United
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Singha All Star XI holding the Premier League champions Manchester United to a 0-0 draw at the break. The away side have certainly dominated the possession, but the two outstanding opportunities have arrived for the Thai outfit.
Winothai has been the main danger to United with the captain twice demonstrating his pace to burst behind the United defence. His first opportunity brought a last-ditch challenge from Evans, before his powerful effort was wonderfully saved by Amos, who has been busier than he would have imagined in the opening 45 minutes.
It is hardly a surprise that the match has been played in stages with the humid conditions inside the stadium. There has been one piece of bright news for United, however, with the performance of young Belgian Januzaj, who has been very impressive thus far. I suspect that we will see a host of changes for both sides at the interval and indeed the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. United boss Moyes will not be too concerned with the scoreline at this stage, but there is no question that he will expect his side to win this match in the second half. Singha's fitness levels will certainly be tested. Right, the home side get the half underway.
Bright start from Winothai as the Singha captain collects possession outside the box before attempting to feed Siaka, but Evans is across to make the challenge at the vital moment. Rafael attempts to find Januzaj down the other end moments later, but the Brazilian's pass is just too long for the Belgian midfielder.
Again it's bright work from the home side as Dangda finds Winothai inside the box, but it just hits the back of his heel as the striker attempts to move past Evans. United break down the other end with Cleverley, but Fabio's cross into the box is blocked. Still no goals in United's first pre-season match.
GOAL! Singha All Star XI 1-0 Manchester United (Winothai)
The home side take the lead with 50 minutes on the clock as Winothai bursts into the box before stroking a low effort into the bottom corner. I am not certain that Amos will be too happy about that, but the home side do not mind. What a result we have on the cards here.
United attempt to strike back quickly as Carrick finds Welbeck with a low pass into the box, but immediately the forward is crowded out by a host of white shirts. Rafael is involved down the right moments later, but again the danger is cleared. Surely United will turn this one around in the latter stages? Surely?
Half-chance for Welbeck moments later as the England striker collects a through pass from Anderson before striking an effort on goal, but the home side's goalkeeper was always comfortable in collecting the danger. Evans is tested down the other end by Siaka, but the Northern Ireland defender is across to make the challenge.
United again turn the screw in the final third as Giggs advances into the box before looking for Anderson at the near post, but it is deflected wide of the post. The resulting corner is whipped in by Giggs, but again the danger is cleared. Little over 30 minutes for United to turn this one around. We are heading for some shock here.
United continue to enjoy possession in the opposing half, but the home side are always a threat with their pace in attack. Fabio attempts to find the bottom corner with a curling effort, Taweekul makes the save, but it just would not fall for Welbeck who was on hand for a tap-in. Change for the home side as Dangda is replaced by Chatree.
Half-chance for United once more as Giggs finds Fabio in the box, the Brazilian attempts to cut inside before finding Anderson, but once more the danger is cleared. End-to-end football in the last few moments, but United are no closer to finding the back of the net.
United make some changes of their own with Zaha, Jones and Lingard replacing Anderson, Giggs and Cleverley. Chance for Zaha to impress on his debut for the club. Still the home side show no signs of tiredness as they continue to burst forward. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
The changes continue to arrive, this time for the home side as Thonglao is replaced by Teerasak. The changes have certainly not effected the tempo of the match with both sides still committing players forward at each opportunity. Singha are just about 25 minutes away from claiming a famous, famous win against the Premier League champions.
First real sign of Zaha as the former Crystal Palace forward drives past two defenders before finding Rafael, but his cross is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. You cannot help but be impressed by the level of performance on display from the home side this evening. They have shown that Thai football has some serious legs.
Neither full-back has particularly impressed with their delivery this evening, with Fabio and Rafael too often finding the arms of the goalkeeper. Winothai again threatens down the other end with a mazy run into the box, but Evans is across to make the clearance. Still the home side lead with 71 minutes on the clock.
Zaha wants a penalty as the winger collects possession in the box before bursting past Kim, but the referee is not interested. I have certainly seen them given. You just get the feeling that United will create some chances in the final 20 minutes. Januzaj curls one from outside the box moments later, but Taweekul makes the save.
Another half-chance for the home side as Siaka strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. United attempt to counter down the other end with Lingard, but the young midfielder cannot find a cross into the box. Zaha threatens down the right moments later, but once more the danger is cleared.
Half-chance for Zaha this time as the attacker meets a cross from Fabio, but his header is just wide of the post. The England international has certainly provided something extra in the United attack since entering in the second period. Little over 10 minutes of the second period remaining, but still Singha lead by that strike from Winothai.
United make another change as Fabio is replaced by Patrice Evra, who will play the final 10 minutes at left-back. Wonderful reception for the 32-year-old, who captained the side for large spells last season. The fitness levels of the home side are just incredible as they continue to chase every ball. Can United find another late goal here?
Evra's first real involvement comes in the final third as the Frenchman delivers a low cross into the box, but once more Ri is on hand to make the clearance. Lingard attempts to find Welbeck in the box moments later, but again Taweekul makes the save. Little over eight minutes of normal time remaining this afternoon.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Welbeck as the England striker collects possession in the box before driving an effort towards the bottom corner, but somehow he put it wide of the post. Incredible miss from the forward. Still the home side lead as we enter the final five minutes of action. What a turn up in Thailand.
CHANCE! Again United come close as Zaha beats two defenders in the box before curling an effort towards the top corner, but it smashes off the post. Lingard has an effort moments later, but he curls it wide. United should be ahead in the final moments of this match there is no question about that.
Another change for the home side as Siaka is replaced by Jose Mena, who is a Costa Rica international. Again Lingard is involved down the left as he cuts inside before finding an effort towards the bottom corner, but Taweekful makes the save. One-way traffic in the final few moments of this match.
The chances continue to arrive as Januzaj tests Taweekul with a poked finish, but again the goalkeeper is on hand to make the save. Zaha continues to impress with a fine piece of skill inside the box, but Welbeck loses possession moments later. Can United find a late goal here?
Still the home side continue to clear the danger on each occasion as United struggle to find that elusive pass in the final third. Another change for Singha in the last couple of moments as Winothai is replaced by Soles. Little over one minute of normal time for United to find a goal here in Moyes's first game in charge.
Another half-chance for Welbeck as the forward meets a cross from Januzaj, but again his header is high and wide of the target. That could be just about that in terms of this match. Not the best of starts for Moyes to his United career.
FULL-TIME: Singha All Star XI 1-0 Manchester United
Well, that was not in the script. United suffer defeat in their first pre-season game as a strike from Winothai secures all three points for the hosts. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for all the reaction from Bangkok. Until then!
