Gaining confidence: Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo (left) moving past Asean All-Stars’ Sergio Aguero. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Sergio Aguero feels unstoppable after going toe-to-toe with Manchester United.
The Harimau Malaya naturalised striker was captain of the Asean All-Stars squad that defeated English giants Manchester United 1-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.
But it wasn’t just about the win for Aguero, who said he is oozing confidence after playing against the Red Devils.
“I feel like now I can play against everyone, I feel confident.
“It was one of my best experiences, mainly because of the team that we played against. They are a top club. The way they control the ball, the passes that they make are crazy. It was a historic moment for myself,” he said.
United played a match against the All-Stars as part of the post-season tour, which continues in Hong Kong, but left in disappointment after substitute Muang Muang Lwin of Myanmar scored the winning goal to lift the Maybank Challenge Cup.
Aguero, who plays for Pahang, added that simply being in the squad that took on the 20-time English top-flight league title winners was a proud moment in itself.
“It’s a historic moment for us, not just for the win but just to have played the match. I was already very happy for that.
“Of course, the win was an added bonus. I started to feel confident with the ball and trusted myself during the match,” he said.
Aguero’s performance also earned praise from United head coach Ruben Amorim, who spoke highly of him after the match.
“Aguero is a good player, he controlled the midfield quite well,” said Amorim.
The Argentine-born Aguero said he shared some words on the pitch with fellow countryman Alejandro Garnacho, along with Spanish-speaking Brazilian Casemiro.
“I spoke with Garnacho because he is from Argentina and plays for the national team. He’s a great guy. I also shared some words with Casemiro because he speaks Spanish after playing in Spain for a long time.
“They were really tired, it has been a lot of travelling for them, having arrived here right after their final Premier League match,” he said.
