Manchester United face the ASEAN All Stars in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, just a week after their Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur and three days after the end of a disappointing season. The team's popularity in Asia seems to have waned, with fewer tickets sold for their matches in comparison to their past visits. The last time they won the Premier League was in 2013, and their recent underperformance has led to a decrease in fan excitement, according to Kuala Lumpur-based journalist Haresh Deol.
In contrast, other English clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City have gained popularity in Asia. Liverpool, in particular, has attracted followers in traditional South-East Asian hotbeds like Malaysia and Singapore, as well as in newer markets such as India, China, and Japan. Fans attribute this to the team's recent resurgence and "cool" factor under Jurgen Klopp.
Manchester United's struggles have led to a shift in fan loyalties, with more younger fans choosing to support teams like Manchester City. In Malaysia, some fans have even opted for City jerseys over United jerseys for their children.
Despite their struggles, Manchester United still hold a strong fan base in Asia, particularly in South Korea. According to author Lee Seung-mo, the team still has many passionate fans, but their popularity has decreased significantly compared to their peak.
Signing an Asian player can help attract more fans in Asia. Son Heung-min's success at Tottenham Hotspur has made the club the most popular in South Korea, while Kaoru Mitoma's presence at Brighton and Hove Albion has increased the team's popularity in Japan. Asian ownership can also make a difference, as evidenced by the Thai fans who support Leicester City due to the team's ownership by Thailand's King Power.
Source: BBC Sports Football
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