A blockbuster start to the season sees two familiar rivals go up against each other as Manchester United take on their noisy neighbors, Manchester City, for the FA Community Shield 2024.
The traditional first match of the new English season sees the winners of the FA Cup go up against the winners of the Premier League, which is also a repeat of the FA Cup final of last season as the Red Devils stunned the Citizens to take home their 13th FA Cup.
Man City will be seeking revenge and a perfect start to their season in what will be their fourth consecutive Community Shield game, while Manchester United will be hoping to extend their record of most Community Shield’s to 22 on Saturday at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
Manchester City are bidding to win an unprecedented fifth Premier League title in a row and are hoping they can win their first Community Shield since the start of the 2019/20 season, despite contesting for the shield for the last three seasons in a row.
They became only the second club to lose three Community Shield games in a row and will be hoping to avoid the unwanted record of four consecutive losses, joining Saturday’s opponents, Manchester United, who lost four between 1998 and 2001.
Man City, like Manchester United, have not had the best of pre-season tours, losing three games on the bounce against Celtic, AC Milan, and Barcelona before winning 4-2 against Chelsea, with Erling Haaland scoring a hat-trick. However, with the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva expected to return to the lineup, it will be a different story come Saturday.
Manchester United had a mixed pre-season, losing three and winning two, but will be boosted by the return of several key players who were on international duty.
A few youngsters shone brightly during the pre-season games, whereas the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount looked in fine touch and will be looking to improve on a dismal last season. Amad was another positive from the five pre-season games, as he looked comfortable in the right-wing spot and has made a strong case to be United’s starting right winger going into the season, with Alejandro Garnacho not taking part due to international duties.
Man Utd have looked better in build-up play and overall setup than last season, and Ten Hag has done an admirable job of integrating a lot of youth players with the seniors.
With the new regime backing him, there may be a couple more arrivals before the Community Shield game arrives, but it remains to be seen if they will feature in the game at all. Manchester United’s targets for the season will be getting at least a top-four position and winning the Europa League, and a triumph over Man City to start the season would be a statement win for the Red Devils.
Just over two months after that thrilling FA Cup final between these two, the sides meet again for the season opener.
The status of the Community Shield remains disputed, with purists insisting that it is the first official game of the season and the Shield is a competitive trophy, while newer generations have termed it a ‘glorified friendly’ and declared it to be a part of the pre-season.
The managers, however, are keen to win a trophy and will undoubtedly treat it as an official game, which adds to the intensity of a Manchester Derby final.
Community Shield 2024 – Kick-off
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2024.
Time: 3.00 pm BST
Venue: Wembley Stadium, UK.
2024 Community Shield – Match Officials
Referee: Jarred Gillet
Assistant referees: Adrian Holmes, Nick Greenhalgh
Fourth official: Sam Barrott
VAR: Peter Bankes.
Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis
Manchester City vs Manchester United – Team News
Manchester City have only signed one player so far, Savinho, who has featured in every pre-season game. However, the Citizens will be without forward Julian Alvarez, who is representing Argentina at the Olympics and is, according to reports, set to move to Atletico Madrid, with City having accepted a €95 million total package for the young Argentinian.
Like Man Utd, the players on international duty have returned to the club, but it is uncertain if Pep Guardiola will select them to start.
The likes of Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish are expected to get the nod in the starting lineup, and there could be a competitive debut for the Brazilian winger Savinho. However, the Citizens could be without Spanish midfield anchor Rodri, who was given an extended break after winning the Euros.
Manchester United will be without new signing Leny Yoro, who underwent successful surgery on his foot following an injury in pre-season and is set to be out of action for up to three months.
Striker Rasmus Højlund is also set to be on the sidelines for at least a couple more weeks after picking up a knock in the same game as Yoro.
New signing Joshua Zirkzee could be involved from the get-go or he could start from the bench, depending on his fitness, according to the manager. Similarly, players involved in the Euros and Copa America did not take part in the pre-season tour but reported to training earlier this week and could be in line to feature in the final.
There are doubts over the fitness of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whereas Luke Shaw is also being assessed after returning from the Euros this week.
Man City vs Man United – Key Players
Marcus Rashford
A new season and a clean slate for the Englishman as he begins his 8th full season in professional football with the Red Devils. It has been a journey full of ups and downs for the forward, but Erik ten Hag and United fans will be hoping he can put the disappointment of last season behind him and rediscover his golden touch.
Fans are hoping to see a repeat of the glorious performances from the 22/23 season, where he finished with 40 G+A in 56 games and carried United to a Champions League position. Rashford also has a penchant for playing against the big teams and showing up when United need him, and he could have the responsibility of leading the attack on Saturday if ten Hag deems Zirkzee not fit enough to start.
Man City vs Man Utd – Predicted Lineups
Man City predicted XI vs Man United: Stefan Ortega; Rico Lewis; Ruben Dias; Manuel Akanji; Josko Gvardiol; Kevin de Bruyne; Matteo Kovacic; Bernardo Silva; Savinho; Erling Haaland; Jack Grealish.
Man United predicted XI vs Man City: Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot; Harry Maguire; Lisandro Martinez; Harry Amass; Casemiro; Scott McTominay; Amad Diallo; Bruno Fernandes; Jadon Sancho; Marcus Rashford.
