Man Utd assures 'good show' against team HK during visit

English Premier League club Manchester United has assured Hong Kong fans that its football stars will put on a good show in next month's game against the Hong Kong, China team when they visit the city on their post-season Asia tour.

The match will begin public ticket sale on Friday at 12 pm on Cityline, with prices ranging from HK$390 to HK$2,990, depending on the location of seats. However, the final squad is yet to be confirmed.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Christoffer Komen, Manchester United's director of tour and friendlies, said the club "is committed to put on a show" at 8pm on May 30 at the Hong Kong Stadium. 

"We will have our stars available for this game," Komen promised.

"We only need to release our players to our national teams in June, and you can be confident to see our stars. Our captain Bruno (Fernandes), we also got all the players lined up, (Alejandro) Garnacho, Casemiro, hopefully, Amad (Diallo) if he is not injured anymore."

ProEvents Group chairman Paul Kam, the organizer of the match, stated that contractual terms are in place to avoid the "unpleasant experience" from last year's Inter Miami exhibition match in Hong Kong, in which Lionel Messi's absence disappointed fans.

However, he declined to reveal details of the terms.

Nevertheless, Kam expressed optimism, noting that the Manchester players will kick off their Asia tour immediately after their last game in the Premier League, adding: "I hope they won't get injured or any mishap… they will definitely come, the whole team."

The organizer explained that the competition was not scheduled at Kai Tak due to a booking clash but emphasized that Manchester United are comfortable playing at Hong Kong Stadium, as they are familiar with the venue.

Kam revealed that the event has applied for the "M" mark status to be eligible for government funding.

Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood vowed to play the match in the "right manner," as the SAR team hopes to take their game against the Red Devils as an opportunity to prepare themselves for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

"We understand the magnitude of the entertainment it’s gonna bring, but also we need to make sure we prepare our team," said Westwood.

Still, Westwood and Hong Kong footballer Ngan Cheuk-pan were both excited to play against the top English football club.

Ngan, a midfielder, said he looked forward to facing Fernandes "head-on."

United legend striker Dwight Yorke is thrilled about the game, and described the fanbase in Hong Kong as "one of the most loyal" ones, and thanked them for supporting the club "through thick and thin."