Manchester City has claimed victory over Manchester United in the Community Shield, showcasing their dominance and securing the first silverware of the season. The win highlights City’s strong start to the new football year.
On Saturday, Manchester City won the Community Shield 7-6 on penalties at Wembley Stadium, avenging their loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup final. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
With just ten minutes remaining, Alejandro Garnacho finally ignited the game by scoring a goal for United. However, Bernardo Silva of the opposite team managed to level up the scores in the 89th minute.
Pep Guardiola’s team ultimately won after a lengthy shoot-out in which neither Jadon Sancho nor Jonny Evans managed to score for United.
Despite winning the Premier League title for four years in a row, City has only managed to win their season opener now. It’s worth noting that they had suffered losses against Leicester, Liverpool and Arsenal during the previous three seasons.
The English champions suffered a major setback as several key players were unable to join the team’s pre-season preparations promptly, owing to their participation in Euro 2024 and Copa America.
Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden – the English contingent of City’s squad along with Spanish midfielder Rodri are still in their break phase from training since they were part of Euro 2024 runners-up team.
On the other hand, Erik ten Hag, the United manager exhibited his eagerness to secure additional trophies by immediately placing Kobbie Mainoo back in crucial gameplay after his superb performance for England against Germany.
Despite the fact that Kevin De Bruyne and Silva were also left on the bench, City dominated early in the game with Jeremy Doku’s electrifying performance causing mayhem on the left.
Pep Guardiola may give James McAtee an opportunity to showcase his talents during the season since Julian Alvarez is expected to move to Atletico Madrid.
During the first half, McAtee came close to scoring with a curling shot that hit the post and bounced back. It’s worth noting that he was loaned out to Sheffield United last season.
Many believe that Ten Hag’s position was secured after defeating City in May, and he will undoubtedly think his team deserved to come out on top against them once again.
Despite being deprived of possession, United still managed to create the superior opportunities.
As half-time approached, Amad Diallo missed the opportunity to score himself and instead attempted to pass to Bruno Fernandes with an open goal in front of him.
Due to Rasmus Hojlund’s injury and Joshua Zirkzee’s lack of match fitness, Fernandes was placed in an unaccustomed position as the centre-forward.
On the hour mark, the United captain believed he had scored an incredible goal but it was disallowed due to offside.
In the last 30 minutes, Garnacho joined and enhanced United’s attack with increased speed and creativity.
