Manchester United (MU) continues to be the most popular team here and in the region with a Google report showing that it was the most searched club name in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Laos.

So when MU fan Najib Razak took to Facebook with his prediction for the season – “EPL is back, are you all watching? MU will be the winners this season” – he opened the floodgates for comments from rival fans, some of which were tinged with sarcasm and wit.

A few netizens said they were taking a screenshot of his post so they could send it back to him at the end of the season, as they were confident he would be proven wrong.

As at noon, the post had received over 2,200 comments. Here are a select few of the comments, including some which were sympathetic to the former prime minister’s views and some that had a political twist in their response.

Asfandyar Hj Madahal wrote: “Which league are you referring to Dato Seri? Is it your own league where you play by yourself?”

Jazmi James: “MU are already the champions. So time to unsubscribe to Astro.”

Cikgu Jap: “It’s okay if MU are not champions as long as Umno/BN remain in the hearts of Malaysians.”

Huzaifar Sahar: “Spirit of Bossku. No jumping (ship) even after losing. Always loyal, win or lose. Not like the other faction.”

Ramlah Abdkarim did not mince her words, saying: “Only the mad ones will believe MU can be champions.”

MU play Brighton & Hove Albion in their opening match tonight. The club finished sixth last season and are starting with a new manager, Erik Ten Hag, after having sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjær last November.