Chief executive David Gill insists Manchester United would one
day like to visit Indonesia after plans to play in Jakarta on
Monday had to be scrapped.
United were due to spend three days in the capital, and take on
an Indonesian Select outfit in front of thousands of adoring fans
at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Instead, those same supporters have been expressing their anger
at the terrorists responsible for the attacks that resulted in
eight people, including two suicide bombers, being killed and over
50 injured.
Some will be able to make it to Malaysia on Monday when United
will tackle a slightly different version of the side Michael Owen's
late goal allowed them to record a 3-2 win against in Kuala
Lumpur.
But the vast majority must wait for a visit by their favourites,
which Gill hopes he can eventually provide.
"Without doubt we would one day like to repay the loyalty of the
Indonesian fans," he said.
"We were looking forward to going there and if we can go back
one day we would like to but we can't make a commitment because we
only do these major tours every two years.
"But we will look at it very seriously."
One distraught fan claimed there were 28 million United fans in
Indonesia. That may be a debatable point. Beyond question is that
all 73,000 tickets for the game that should have taken place
tomorrow were sold out three weeks ago.
In addition to the disappointed fans, United have sponsors who
will miss out on the team's visit, chief among them the mobile
company 3 Indonesia, which was due to sponsor the game.
"It is disappointing on every count," said Gill.
"We do have partners in Indonesia but they are not with us for
one game.
"They are with us for the long term because they believe
associating with Manchester United is beneficial to their
business.
"I am sure we will work with them to address any issues they
have.
"I think they will understand why we have made this decision and
will stick with us."
It is anticipated barely 15,000 will take advantage of the
cut-price ticket offer to watch United in Malaysia again, although
such is the fervour supporters in the region reserve for their
team, a bigger attendance cannot be ruled out.
The Red Devils would have attracted far more - and a guaranteed
£1million - if they had taken up an offer to visit Australia.
However, the prospect of a nine-hour flight from Malaysia and
then one of over 13 hours back to Seoul, where United are due to
play on Friday, made it a non-starter.
"We looked at a number of possibilities, one was bringing the
Indonesian side to Malaysia, and also an offer from Australia,"
said Gill.
"But realistically, none of it could have been arranged in time
and the team wanted another game."
