KUALA LUMPUR - Football fever is gripping Malaysia as legendary players from Manchester United and Liverpool prepare to clash in the "Battle of the Reds 2024" exhibition match tomorrow night.
Ahead of the highly anticipated match, fans were treated to an exclusive pre-talk show sponsored by Tune Protect Group featuring veteran players from both teams.
Hosted by former youth and sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin and influencer Jake Abdullah, the show offered fans a unique opportunity to interact with the legends.
Manchester United fans were especially thrilled with the presence of their heroes, including Wes Brown, Paul Rachubka, Dimitar Berbatov, and Danny Webber.
Liverpool fans were equally excited to see John Arne Riise, Luis Garcia, Vladimír Šmicer, and Steve McManaman grace the stage.
Khairy, a lifelong Manchester United supporter since 1983, brought his passion and knowledge to the event.
He actively engaged with fans and players alike, fostering lively discussions and posing insightful questions.
The excitement didn't stop there. Lucky fans received unforgettable experiences, including meet-and-greets, Q&A sessions, and photo opportunities with the footballing icons.
The pre-talk show wasn't just about nostalgia. Berbatov offered valuable advice to aspiring footballers.
Highlighting the importance of mental health in the demanding world of professional sports, Berbatov stressed the need for players to share their struggles and find support.
"We are human, after all and at some point, you need to confide in trusted peers to overcome challenges and move forward," he said.
The big match awaits
The "Battle of the Reds 2024" kicks off tomorrow night at 8.45pm at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Manchester United fans can expect to see a squad managed by Dwight Yorke, featuring iconic names like David May, Wes Brown, and Dimitar Berbatov, with Teddy Sheringham leading the team as captain.
Liverpool supporters will be cheering on a team managed by David James, with players like Emile Heskey, John Arne Riise, and Luis Garcia (captain) ready to showcase their skills.