Man Utd stars celebrate Defining Education Challenge Cup after comeback win against Hong Kong
MANCHESTER UNITED stars lifted the Defining Education Challenge Cup by beating Hong Kong 3-1 earlier today.
The catchily-named competition saw each Red Devils player also claim a shiny medal for their dismal efforts this season.
Just last week, Man Utd suffered Europa League final heartache by losing 1-0 to Tottenham in Bilbao.
Three matches and 8,000 air-miles later, weary United flops have finally concluded their campaign with medals around their necks.
Having beaten Aston Villa 2-0 last Sunday, Ruben Amorim‘s men jetted straight to Malaysia, where they were subsequently embarrassed 1-0 by the hastily-put together ASEAN All-Stars.
This afternoon they avoided such a humbling, although they were 1-0 down at half-time courtesy of a goal by Juninho.
A second-half double by Chido Obi turned the contest around, before Ayden Heaven‘s stoppage time goal clinched the Defining Education Challenge Cup for good.
Man Utd stars, some more sheepishly than others, subsequently collected their medals.
There was then a trophy lift – something that finally prompted a smile from wantaway star Alejandro Garnacho on this trip.
United’s post-season tour has been dominated by chatter regarding potential exits.
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Garnacho, who was dropped for the Red Devils’ final Premier League game, has been strongly linked with Napoli.
During a press conference this week, Amad Diallo was asked about the possibility of Garnacho staying at United.
Amazingly, boss Ruben Amorim was spotted struggling to stifle a laugh as the question was delivered.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes‘ future has also come under microscope.
While the Portuguese midfielder has been in Asia with United, his agent has reportedly been in Riyadh meeting with Al-Hilal club chiefs.
The Saudi side are said to be willing to offer the Red Devils £100m for their captain and are readying a three-year tax-free deal worth around £200m.
According to The Athletic, Fernandes is “seriously considering” making the move – with Al-Hilal wanting a quick response ahead of the Club World Cup.
Asked about whether Fernandes will leave after picking him for today’s kickabout with Hong Kong, boss Amorim claimed: “I don’t think so.
“I don’t know for sure, nobody does. But I don’t think so.
“I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things but it shows that he wants to win.”