Muangthong United Football Club (Thai: สโมสรฟุตบอลเมืองทอง ยูไนเต็ด) is a Thai professional football club based in Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province.[1] The club plays in the Thai League 1, the top-flight football league of Thailand.[2] Muangthong United has participated in the highest level of the Thai football league system since 2009 after having won the Thai Division 1 League title in 2008.[3]
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| Full name | Muangthong United Football Club สโมสรฟุตบอลเมืองทอง ยูไนเต็ด | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Kirins, The Twin Qilins (กิเลนผยอง) | |||
| Short name | MTUTD | |||
| Founded | 1989, as Norgjorg Pittayanusorn School Football Team | |||
| Ground | Thunderdome Stadium Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand | |||
| Capacity | 15,000 | |||
| Owner | Siam Sport Syndicate | |||
| Chairman | Wilak Lohtong | |||
| Head coach | Gino Lettieri | |||
| League | Thai League 1 | |||
| 2023–24 | Thai League 1, 5th of 16 | |||
| Website | https://mtutd.com/ | |||
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Muangthong United is one of Thailand's leading football clubs, having the biggest fan base with over 3.7 million followers on social media as of 14 November 2023.[4] The club, also known as The Kirins[5] or The Twin Qilins.,[6] was for a period one of the richest football clubs in Thailand.[7]
History
Formation and early years
The club was founded in 1989. The first name registered with Football Association of Thailand was "Norgjorg Pittayanusorn School Football Team". The club was founded by Worawi Makudi, the club race from the Ngor Royal Cup which is the smallest cup. Even in the Thailand Football League Division 1 season 2002–2003, The club was renamed to "FC Norgjorg Black Pearl" by the former politician Veera Musikapong to make the team, but the team had just one season and was unsuccessful so he stopped by leaving the team and the club remained in the Thailand League Division 1.
The next season of the Thailand League Division 1 in 2003–2004 the team was renamed once again as a group that has been done the team as FC Globlex Norgjorg by Somsak Chenchaowanich who signed as the new team manager. That year, the team performed poorly. Finally, it must be relegated to play in Ngor Royal Cup in season 2004–2005 by returning to its original name but it was not as successful as it should be.[8]
The Kirins - 3 years 3 champs
The Football Association wants to raise the level of league competition in Thailand so they established Thailand Division 2 League with a team led by Khǒr Royal Cup and Khor Royal Cup are mixed together to compete in the league this season which Norgjorg Pittayanusorn Football Club eligible entrants. In 2007 Siam Sport Syndicate by Rawi Lohtong the president of Siam Sport Syndicate bought the club and changed the name to Muangthong United Football Club and moved to a new ground at Muang Thong Thani, Thunderdome Stadium. The club's first success was winning the first place in the 2007 Season of the Thailand Division 2 League. From here, they were promoted to the Thai Division 1 League.[9] The team was then promoted to the Thai League 1 in the 2009 season so everyone praised Muangthong United in that season as "3 Years 3 Champs".
| 2007 | Division 2 | (Tier 3) |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Division 1 | (Tier 2) |
| 2009 | Thai Premier League | (Tier 1) |
The club was promoted to play in the Thai Premier League in 2009, after it won the title for the Division one. In the 2009 season, the club had many new and notable players in the country. Despite a successful start to the season, they pledged in April 2009 with Attaphol Buspakom a new coach. For the summer break, the association is, as expected by all experts, among the top five of the table and plays for the championship.[10]
One factor contributing to the club's success is its close relationship with Belgian club Lierse, and the acquisition of Thai star player Teeratep Winothai and Ronnachai Rangsiyo, the striker from PEA. Together with Teerasil Dangda, the club now has some of the most talented strikers in the country in its ranks.[11][12]
The Thai giant
In 2010, Attaphol Buspakom was sacked following a string of unsuccessful results, and was replaced by Belgian René Desaeyere, who managed Muangthong for two seasons. Under his leadership, Muangthong qualified for the 2010 AFC Champions League. They beat SHB Đà Nẵng from Vietnam 0–3 but lost out to Singapore Armed Forces on penalties after the game ended in a 1–1 draw. They were eligible to play for the 2010 AFC Cup. They reached the semi-final round but lost to Al-Ittihad from Syria 2–1. In the 2010 Thai Premier League, they lost just three games out of 30, with seven draws, good enough to capture the league title for the second time. Dagno Siaka was the club's top scorer for in 2010 with 15 goals.[13]
At the start of the 2011 season Muangthong United signed former Liverpool player Robbie Fowler[14][15] to a one-year contract. Muangthong United participated in the 2011 AFC Champions League play-off rounds. They played Sriwijaya but lost on penalties after the game ended in a 2–2 draw. They were also eligible to play for the 2011 AFC Cup, coming first in the group stage of the tournament. In their first match of the round of 16 they beat Al Ahed from Lebanon 4–0 but went on to lose to Kuwait SC in the quarter-finals round 1–0. After their tournament exit Henrique Calisto, the club's manager, was sacked and Fowler took over as player/coach of Muangthong United.[16][17][18] In 2011 Thai Premier League Muangthong United finished the season in third place in Thai league. For the 2010–11 season and Teerasil Dangda is top score for club in 2011 season by 13 goals.[19]
After Fowler's contract expired, Muangthong United signed a contract with Serbia coach Slaviša Jokanović. During the pre-season, Muangthong United signed on many famous players such as Mario Gjurovski, Ri Kwang-Chon, Adnan Barakat, Mongkol Namnuad, and the young player that crowned as best younger of Thailand etc.[20]
In 2012 season, the club did not play in the AFC Champions League or AFC Cup. Therefore, it tried to do the best in 2012 Thai League Cup, but they lost to TOT 3–4 and 2012 Thai FA Cup they lost to Army United 3–2, but they can win the 2012 Thai Premier League is a third of the club and Muangthong United became the first team in Thai Premier League to go the season unbeaten in the current 34-game format. In 2012, Muangthong engaged an unbeaten run which lasted the whole season, and Teerasil also scored four goals in a single match, an 8–1 routing over BBCU on 18 October. Ten days later he scored in a 2–2 draw against BEC Tero Sasana, a goal which granted the title, took his tally to 24 goals and broke the previous record of Ronnachai Sayomchai in 1998 (23 goals).
After his impressive goal tally in the season, Teerasil was invited by La Liga sides Atlético Madrid and Getafe for a trial, but as the former was a Muangthong partner, he headed to Atlético Madrid in January 2013; he also attracted interest of Trabzonspor in June.[21]
End of the drought
In 2016, Not having won any trophies for three consecutive seasons, the club started a campaign called "The Dream Team" and signed many famous national team players such as Peerapat Notchaiya, Theerathon Bunmathan, Adisak Kraisorn, Tanaboon Kesarat, Chanathip Songkrasin, Tristan Do, Adison Promrak, and international players such as Xisco. They also brought in Totchtawan Sripan, ones of Thai football legends, as the new head coach. All this resulted in Muangthong United winning the double, as they became champions of the Thai League 1 and League Cup.[22]
In 2017, After finishing champions in the 2016 Thai League season, The Kirins secured direct qualification into the 2017 AFC Champions League. In the group stages, for Home games Muangthong beat Kashima Antlers, 2–1 and beat Ulsan Hyundai, 1-0 and beat Brisbane Roar, 3–0. The club finish runners-up in Group E, and qualified for the Round of 16 for the first time in their club history.[23][24] For their home and final leg of the Champions League Round of 16 – a home and away series against Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale. Having lose the first leg, 1–3 in Thailand and Frontale defeat Muangthong United, 4–1 in the second leg.[25]
Academy
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The Muangthong United Academy (MTUTD Academy) has a clear aim of providing a place to pursue and achieve success through a first-class coaching environment for all the young players registered in its system to produce players that will play and succeed in the first team at Muangthong United.[26]
In the beginning the club use the youth development service from JMG Academy that sign an agreement with Muangthong United and Robert Procureur who was the Director of JMG Thailand on 2007 to 2011, the academy created most of the talent player such as Suriya Singmui, Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul, Weerawut Kayem, Picha Autra and Suphanan Bureerat continue to 2011 the club started an own youth development program[27][28] due to AFC club licensing standard that tries to develop young player from 12 to 18 years old[29] so that they created MTUTD Academy, from this development, the club has produced many players for the national team since Thitipan Puangchan, Korrawit Tasa, Poramet Arjvirai and Patcharapol Intanee.[30][31][32]
Sponsorship
The following are the sponsors of MTUTD (named "MTUTD Partners"):
Title and shirt sponsors
Supporters
Muangthong United plays their home games in the SCG Stadium, originally designed for about 5,000 spectators. The stadium, unlike most stadiums in Thailand, has no running track. Due to the success of the club and the increasing number of spectators, the stadium was built with steel tube stands with 15,000 seats during the 2008 season. After the end of the 2009 season, a plan to expand the stadium was conceived. As the stadium was only originally designed for a capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators, the expansion increased the capacity to 25,000. It is also one of the few stadiums in Thailand to have VIP areas.[39][40]
The club managed to develop a huge fan base quickly. At away games, the fans are represented very numerous mot. Games against Chonburi and Bangkok Glass are among the highlights of the 2009 season. This season the new attendance records for the league could be set up. For the games against Chonburi and Bangkok Glass, there was even a first-time ticket sale. This should slow down the expected rush for tickets. For football in Thailand, this was a novelty. The core of fans of Muangthong consists of the Ultra Muangthong.[41] They were also the first who brought the Ultras movement to Thailand's stages. Large banners, flags, and double holders characterize the Fans and a "pre-Inger" with megaphones.[42]
Rivalries
Muangthong United has main rivalries with Buriram United and Port. For the rivalries with Chonburi, against whom they contest the Thailand Clasico, and TOT SC, against whom they contest the Chaeng Watthana derby.
The rivalry with Port is rooted in Kor Royal Cup stampede when Port was forfeited due to crowd riots in 2009. In 2014 Muangthong United fans and Port fans rioted with armed rebellion at Udon Ratthaya Expressway in the Pak Kret Expressway area so the police and military came out to fix the problem. In 2016 the fans of these 2 teams were making riot it again in the same area this event made the Football Association of Thailand introduce measures for something to solve this problem.[43]
The rivalry with Buriram United arises from the numerous times the two teams, as well as Buriram United represented as rustic people and Muangthong United represented as urban people, In the same sides these two teams represent two different politics party sides in Thailand that sent their members to elect presidents of the Football Association of Thailand, have battled for the Thai League 1 title this fixture has become known as one of the finest Thai League match-ups in history.[44]
Affiliated clubs
This is an important day for Atletico Madrid. I want to congratulate Muang Thong United for winning the Thai Premier League for the second consecutive year this is a sign of the good work the club is doing. I think this agreement will have sporting, commercial and economic benefits for both teams. I hope it will encourage more Thai fans to follow the Spanish league and more Spanish fans to follow the Thai league.
– Miguel Gil, Atletico Madrid CEO.[45]
Atletico Madrid (2011–present)[46][47]
- Muangthong United entered a groundbreaking alliance with Spanish club Atletico Madrid in 2011. The collaboration agreement also includes "a program of periodic exchange of players and coaches", "playing friendly matches together" and "selling each other merchandise in their stadiums".[48]
- 2 years later, Muangthong striker Teerasil Dangda joined Atletico for a trial in January 2013[49] and the club has sent youth players to practice football with Atletico Madrid, resulting in them becoming the club's key players at a later time, such as Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul, Thitiphan Puangjan and Suriya Singmui.[50][51]
- In 2021, the club reconsider sending the new generation of youth players to a three-month training to develop their football talents with Atletico Madrid.[52]
Júbilo Iwata (2012–present)[53]
- Muangthong United signed an agreement to partner with Jubilo Iwata to exchange football strategies that will focus on the development of footballers from the youth level, including the coaching method to increase opportunities for Thai football players to practice their skills and play with leading clubs in Asia. For signing contracts, the main details of the contract include the loan and trading of players between the two clubs, the exchange of coaches to develop youth players of both clubs, joint sales of souvenir products, as well as cooperation in marketing between the two clubs, etc.[54]
Assumption United (2015–present)[55]
- Muangthong United signed a collaboration agreement with Assumption Thonburi school. In the past, many players who graduated from Assumption Thonburi school joining the Muangthong united first team such as Theerathon Bunmathan, Teerasil Dangda, Kawin Thamsatchanan, Sarach Yooyen, Chatchai Saengdao, Sorawit Panthong and Shinnaphat Leeaoh.[56]
- Urawa Red Diamonds (2021–present)[57]
- Muangthong United has entered a groundbreaking alliance with Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds in 2021. This agreement will benefit both clubs through the exchange of young players and coaches, shared knowledge on technical–training methods, and playing friendly matches together.[58]
Stadium
Thunderdome Stadium is a football stadium located in Nonthaburi, Thailand, and is the home of Thai League 1's side, Muangthong United. Thunderdome Stadium was the first operate football stadium in Thailand, while PAT Stadium and TOT Stadium Chaeng Watthana constructed without operate including there are others older stadiums, they are all considered as multi-purpose stadiums.[59] The stadium used to be able to hold as much as 20,000 spectators but the number reduced after renovation by filling in chairs to make the stadium all seated with a capacity of 15,000 people.[60]
| Coordinates | Location | Stadium | Capacity | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13°55′05″N 100°32′51″E | Nonthaburi | Thunderdome Stadium | 15,000 | 2007–present |
Continental record
Results
Statistics
Statistics of Muangthong United in Asian competitions.
| Competition | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Win% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFC Champions League | 23 | 6 | 6 | 11 | 26 | 39 | −13 | 26.09 |
| AFC Champions League Two | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 9 | +4 | 25.00 |
| AFC Cup | 20 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 34 | 13 | +21 | 50.00 |
| Mekong Club Championship | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 100.00 |
Season by season record
| Season | League[61] | FA Cup |
League Cup |
Kor Cup / Champions Cup |
AFC Champions League / ACL Elite |
AFC Cup / ACL Two |
Mekong Club |
Top scorer | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | Pos | Name | Goals | |||||||
| 2007 | DIV 2 | 22 | 15 | 5 | 2 | 39 | 19 | 50 | 1st | – | – | – | — | — | |||
| 2008 | DIV 1 | 30 | 19 | 8 | 3 | 58 | 17 | 65 | 1st | – | – | – | Yaya Soumahoro | 12 | |||
| 2009 | TPL | 30 | 19 | 8 | 3 | 48 | 20 | 65 | 1st | R3 | – | – | – | Dagno Siaka | 10 | ||
| 2010 | TPL | 30 | 20 | 7 | 3 | 64 | 19 | 67 | 1st | RU | R3 | W | Play-off | SF | Dagno Siaka | 15 | |
| 2011 | TPL | 34 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 54 | 32 | 60 | 3rd | RU | QF | RU | Play-off | QF | Teerasil Dangda | 13 | |
| 2012 | TPL | 34 | 25 | 9 | 0 | 78 | 31 | 84 | 1st | QF | QF | – | – | – | Teerasil Dangda | 24 | |
| 2013 | TPL | 32 | 21 | 8 | 3 | 61 | 33 | 71 | 2nd | SF | R3 | RU | GS | – | Teerasil Dangda | 15 | |
| 2014 | TPL | 38 | 20 | 11 | 7 | 66 | 36 | 62 | 5th | QF | QF | RU | Play-off 3 | – | – | Mario Gjurovski | 13 |
| 2015 | TPL | 34 | 21 | 8 | 5 | 81 | 35 | 71 | 2nd | RU | R2 | – | – | – | – | Cleiton Silva | 25 |
| 2016 | TL | 31 | 26 | 2 | 3 | 73 | 24 | 80 | 1st | QF | W | RU | Play-off | – | – | Cleiton Silva | 27 |
| 2017 | T1 | 34 | 22 | 6 | 6 | 79 | 29 | 72 | 2nd | SF | W | W | R16 | – | W | Teerasil Dangda | 14 |
| 2018 | T1 | 34 | 16 | 11 | 7 | 65 | 53 | 59 | 4th | R3 | R2 | – | Play-off | – | Heberty | 26 | |
| 2019 | T1 | 30 | 14 | 4 | 12 | 45 | 42 | 46 | 5th | R3 | R1 | – | – | – | Heberty | 14 | |
| 2020–21 | T1 | 30 | 14 | 5 | 11 | 52 | 43 | 47 | 7th | QF | – | – | – | – | Sardor Mirzaev | 13 | |
| 2021–22 | T1 | 30 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 46 | 35 | 49 | 4th | R3 | R1 | – | – | – | Willian Popp | 15 | |
| 2022–23 | T1 | 30 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 56 | 37 | 50 | 4th | R4 | R2 | – | – | – | Willian Popp | 14 | |
| 2023–24 | T1 | 30 | 16 | 4 | 10 | 64 | 45 | 52 | 5th | R2 | RU | – | – | – | Willian Popp | 17 | |
| 2024–25 | T1 | TBD | R1 | – | – | GS | |||||||||||
| Champions | Runners-up | Third place | Promoted | Relegated |
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Current squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Note 1: The official club website lists the supporters as player 12th man.
Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Managerial history
Head coaches by years (2007–present)
| Period | Name |
|---|---|
| 2007 |  Nopporn Eksrattra |
| 2007 – 2008 | Surasak Tungsurat |
| 2009 | Attaphol Buspakom |
| 11 Jan 2010 – 7 Jan 2011 |  René Desaeyere |
| 18 Jan 2011 – 28 Feb 2011 |  Carlos Roberto |
| 6 Mar 2011 – 29 Sep 2011 |  Henrique Calisto |
| 1 Oct 2011 – 31 Jan 2012 |  Robbie Fowler |
| 27 Feb 2012 – 4 Jun 2013 |  Slaviša Jokanović |
| 5 Jun 2013 – 16 Jul 2013 |  Winfried Schäfer (caretaker) |
| 19 Jul 2013 – 31 Dec 2013 | René Desaeyere |
| 2 Jan 2014 – 30 Mar 2014 | Scott Cooper |
| 2 Jul 2014 – 19 Jan 2016 |  Dragan Talajić |
| 21 Jan 2016 – 12 Mar 2018 | Totchtawan Sripan |
| 30 Apr 2018 – 5 Oct 2018 | Radovan Ćurčić |
| 22 Nov 2018 – 1 Apr 2019 | Pairoj Borwonwatanadilok |
| 1 Apr 2019 – 7 Apr 2019 | Uthai Boonmoh (caretaker) |
| 9 Apr 2019 – 12 Jun 2019 |  Yoon Jong-hwan |
| 13 Jun 2019 – 17 Oct 2020 | Alexandre Gama |
| 19 Oct 2020 – 18 Sep 2023 |  Mario Gjurovski |
| 18 Sep 2023 – 26 Nov 2023 | Uthai Boonmoh (caretaker) |
| 27 Nov 2023 – 23 Jun 2024 | Miloš Joksić |
| 5 Jul 2024 – |  Gino Lettieri |
Honours
Domestic competitions
League
- Thai League 1
- Thai Division 1 League
- Winners (1): 2008
- Regional League Division 2:
- Champions (1): 2007
Cups
International competitions
ASEAN
- Mekong Club Championship
- Champions (1): 2017
See also
References
External links
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