Manchester United, fresh off their FA Cup victory last season, will face off against Manchester City, who celebrated winning their fourth straight Premier League title. Nearly 11 weeks ago, United surprised many by beating City 2-1 in the FA Cup final, denying City a domestic double and securing their 13th FA Cup win.
Despite a disappointing Premier League season, where they finished in eighth place, United's win was a bright spot. Manager Erik ten Hag, who had faced intense scrutiny, has signed a new contract through 2026. Under new ownership by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, the club has been active in the transfer market, adding players like Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, with more moves expected to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
United had a mixed pre-season with two wins and three losses, including a recent 3-0 defeat to Liverpool. Before their Premier League opener against Fulham on August 16, they’ll focus on Saturday’s clash with City, aiming for their 22nd Community Shield win.
This will be United’s 31st appearance in the Community Shield and their first since 2016. They've won 21 of their previous 30 finals, including a memorable 3-2 victory over City in 2011.
Manchester City, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back after narrowly missing out on a treble last season. They made history by winning four consecutive Premier League titles and will be aiming to add their seventh Community Shield. They ended their pre-season tour of the US with a 4-2 win over Chelsea, with Erling Haaland scoring a hat-trick. Despite some key players being absent, City is determined to avoid losing the Community Shield for the fourth year in a row.
In this high-stakes encounter, both teams will be eager to make a statement before the new season kicks off.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Man City’s goalkeeper Ederson is a bit of a concern after missing the friendly win over Chelsea with some "niggles." However, he’s back in training this week and might be fit to start instead of Stefan Ortega. Left-back Josh Wilson-Esbrand is likely to miss out due to a hamstring issue picked up in the Chelsea match.Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Euro 2024 finalists Rodri, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and John Stones will be absent from Wembley, as they’re set to return to training next week after a longer summer break. On the bright side, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Matheus Nunes, and new signing Savio have all been training this week and should be included in the matchday squad. Young talents James McAtee and Nico O'Reilly might also feature.
For Manchester United, Leny Yoro (foot), Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring), and Tyrell Malacia (knee) are out with injuries. Manager Erik ten Hag has also indicated that Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Luke Shaw are doubtful and will be evaluated before the game.
Jonny Evans, who was pulled from the friendly loss to Liverpool due to illness, should be fit for Saturday and might partner with Lisandro Martinez in central defence. If Shaw can’t play, 17-year-old Harry Amass could stay in the left-back position.
New signing Joshua Zirkzee has been training this week and could make his debut for United, though it’s uncertain if he’ll start right away or if Jadon Sancho, who featured as a centre-forward in the last two friendlies, will be preferred.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, De Bruyne; Bobb, Bernardo, Grealish; Haaland
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Dalot, Evans, Martinez, Amass; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 2-3 Manchester City
Man City have won only six of their last 15 Community Shield appearances. However, they’ve beaten Manchester United in seven of their last 10 derby clashes across all competitions. Given their recent form, we think City will find a way to come out on top at Wembley.
