KUALA LUMPUR: National striker Sergio Aguero will lead the Asean All-Stars when they lock horns with Manchester United in the Maybank Challenge Cup at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow (May 28).
The Sri Pahang forward was introduced as team captain during an official press conference held at a hotel here today (May 27).
The Argentine-born, naturalised player extended a warm welcome to the English giants during the presser.
He, however, made it clear that the Asean All-Stars intend to rise to the occasion and give the 20-time English champions a run for their money.
“Welcome to Malaysia, Manchester United,” said the 31-year-old, addressing United manager Ruben Amorim and midfielder Mason Mount.
“It is a proud moment for us to play against a giant club like United, and it also comes with great responsibility.
“Of course, we will do our best. Even though we welcome them here, we will try to win the match.”
Aguero is one of five Malaysians selected for the Asean All-Stars squad which features top footballers from across Southeast Asia.
He made 25 appearances for Sri Pahang this season across the Super League, Malaysia Cup and FA Cup.
He led the club to the Malaysia Cup decider this year but was sent off in the final. Sri Pahang went on to lose 2-1 to Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Joining him in the Asean All-Stars squad are Terengganu FC defender Azam Azmi Murad, Penang FC winger Adib Abdul Ra’op, Perak FC goalkeeper Haziq Nazdli and Kuala Lumpur City FC defender Declan Lambert.
Thailand’s Patiwat Khammai,Peeradol Chamrasamee, Worachit Kanitsribampen and Ben Davies, Vietnam’s Nguyen Hai Long, Nguyen Van Vi, Do Duy Manh and Nguyen Hoang Duc, Indonesia’s Asnawi Mangkualam and Muhammad Ferarri, Cambodia’s Abdel Coulibaly and Kan Mo are also in the squad.
The other players in the team – coached by Kim Sang Sik – are Irfan Fandi (Singapore), Maung Maung Lwin (Myanmar), Azwan Ali Rahman (Brunei), Bounphachan Bounkong (Laos) and Joao Pedro (Timor Leste).
United return to Malaysia for the first time in 16 years, having last played here in 2009 when they recorded 3-2 and 2-0 victories in back-to-back friendlies against a Malaysian XI.
Following tomorrow’s fixture, the Red Devils will head to Hong Kong on Friday (May 30) for the second leg of their pre-season tour.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
