Some players need only a few matches to prove their worth, but Lê Phạm Thành Long is achieving even more. The midfielder born in 1996 is forcing Coach Kim Sang Sik to alter the way the Vietnam team operates.

Malaysia will face Vietnam in the semifinals of the 2026 ASEAN Cup, but the current squad no longer holds the same strength it had when the two teams met in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers last March.

Manchester United officially announced on Saturday that 22-year-old Czech goalkeeper Radek Vitek has completed a permanent transfer to Championship side Middlesbrough. He only needs to be registered to play for the team. United will secure a guaranteed £7 million transfer fee, plus an additional £7 million in add-ons, for a total of £14 million.

When the final whistle blew under the Jakarta night sky, the glaring "0-3" on the scoreboard not only announced AC Milan's complete defeat in this preseason friendly but also hit like a heavy blow to the hearts of all Rossoneri fans. Since new coach Ruben Amorim took over, the team has recorded two draws and one loss in three preseason matches, failing to win a single game.

Manchester United drew 1-1 with a depleted Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg, Sweden. The team fell behind early, but Mbemo, again playing as a makeshift striker, scored for the second consecutive match to rescue a point. However, defensive frailties were exposed, and the midfield lacked organization and depth. Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe must open his wallet again to address these issues.

Antony, a former Manchester United midfielder, was shown a red card for his involvement in an altercation between Bournemouth and Real Betis players during the preseason friendly at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.

"National hero surpasses 'Papa Park Hang-seo', Coach Kim Sang-sik rewrites Vietnamese football history! 22 unbeaten matches + advancing to semifinals." This is the headline of an article in Chosun this morning, August 9.

Today's breaking Vietnam football news on August 9: Vietnam team hastily prepares for clash with Malaysia; Bac Ninh Club signs 4 new players

The relief was evident on the face of Malaysia's interim head coach, Tan Cheng Hoe, after his team secured a spot in the semifinals of the ASEAN Cup 2026.

At the New Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden, Manchester United's pre-season friendly against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain ended in a 1-1 draw. This seemingly calm result actually hides underlying currents, allowing Red Devils fans to see the tactical upgrade brought by the new signing while also ruthlessly exposing concerns about the club's youth academy. From the start, Paris taught United a lesson.