Manchester United returns to HK after 12 years

Manchester United will play against Team Hong Kong, China in a friendly match at the Hong Kong Stadium on May 30 at 8pm, marking the English Premier League club’s first visit to the city in 12 years.

Public ticket sales for the match will begin on Friday.

“Get ready, Hong Kong,” Bruno Fernandes, captain of Manchester United, greeted the city’s fans in a promotion video released by the organizer.

A media conference will be held on Thursday to announce the details of the visit by the “Red Devils,” including ticket prices for the match. 

United legend Dwight Yorke, Hong Kong head coach Ashely Westwood, and Eric Fok Kai-shan, chairman of the Hong Kong Football Association, will attend the press event.

Hong Kong is the second leg of United’s Asia tour following the English team’s final fixture of the 2024/25 Premier League season against Aston Villa on May 25.

United will take on ASEAN All Stars in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 28, before traveling to play Hong Kong on May 30.

Omar Berrada, chief executive officer of Manchester United, described the tour fixtures as an opportunity for fans to connect with and watch the men’s first team play live in local settings.

“They also create unique opportunities for us to collaborate with our valued commercial partners, and to deepen relationships with our fans in regions such as Asia,” Berrada added.

Last visited Hong Kong in 2013, Manchester United won 5-2 over Hong Kong’s top football club Kitchee in a pre-season friendly at the Hong Kong Stadium.

A notable tie between Hong Kong and the English club is on Westwood, the SAR's current head coach, who began his career in professional football as a trainee at Manchester United.

In July, the city will welcome another four top football teams in the world, including English Premier League’s Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur as well as Italian giant AC Milan, to play at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium.

(Jamie Liu)