Hong Kong keen to help fragile Manchester United ‘put on a show’ in Friday match
Coach Ashley Westwood views his team as ‘sparring partners’ for English club as he works towards Kai Tak clash with India
Ashley Westwood has said Hong Kong will treat their game against Manchester United on Friday like a training session, with the hosts’ priority being to help their illustrious opponents “put on a show for fans”.
Rather, the Englishman said he was content for his team to play the role of “sparring partners” for stricken United. “In that we’re there to help them put on a good show, not because we’re trying to chin anyone,” he clarified.
Hong Kong also play Nepal in a friendly next week, before a pivotal Asian Cup qualifier against India at Kai Tak Stadium on June 10.
“My job is to navigate through these games and peak for India,” Westwood said.
Excitement is bubbling up for the Kai Tak clash, with more than 15,000 tickets already sold. Twice that number were expected at Hong Kong Stadium for Manchester United’s first visit to the city since 2013.