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The 2024/25 campaign officially kicks off among English top-flight teams with the Community Shield at Wembley – and it’s the same two teams meeting as were on that pitch at the end of May for the FA Cup final.
Manchester United triumphed in that game, quite possibly salvaging Erik ten Hag’s job in the process, and they’ll once more face a derby encounter with a trophy as the prize, against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Silverware might be on the line but this is essentially a glorified friendly, baring little relevance to the season ahead – yet it will be an important part of both teams’ preparations regardless, as league action is just one week away. United in particular are struggling with injuries at the start of the season, while Man City haven’t had all their Euro 2024 and Copa America stars back for long, so additional practice time on the pitch is of the essence.
Follow the Community Shield below with all the build-up and match action as Man City face Man United:
GOAL! Man City 1-1 Manchester United
GOAL! City get for the equaliser.
Great play down the right wing from Bobb and Lewis, with the former getting in behind the United defence and clipping a cross over to the far post. Bernardo Silva has lost Pellistri, and he nods into a practically open goal!
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 16:49
Man City 0-1 Manchester United
Bernardo Silva gets the second booking of the day as he comes in very late on Garnacho.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 16:45
Man City 0-1 Manchester United
Jadon Sancho has come on for Marcus Rashford, who will be pleased with his performance overall (though he should’ve had a goal).
City are looking for a goal now, with United dropping deeper as they look to keep their lead.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 16:44
GOAL! Man City 0-1 Manchester United
The deadlock is broken. Collyer wins the ball and Pellistri ships it in field to Fernandes. He sweeps it wide to Garnacho, who drives into the box with a diagonal run, cutting inside and eventually releasing a low shot that creeps past Ederson!
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 16:42
Bernardo Silva has come on for McAtee in the third City change so far.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 16:41
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
CLOSE! Close again from United as Rashford heads the corner back across goal, but McTominay narrowly misses as he tries to connect with it in front of goal!
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 16:40
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
Another good chance for United there, and the commentators say that Erik ten Hag will be ‘pleased’ with the overall performance, but the finishing has still been lacking, as it often was last season.
Garnacho goes with the long-range effort and his shot is deflected behind.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 16:38
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
CLOSE! So close from United.
It’s so simple too, as a great pass over the top from Fernandes feeds Garnacho in behind the City defence. City are back-pedalling, and Garnacho plays a lovely ball straight to Rashford, who just needs to tap it in on target for a certain goal. But it comes off his ankle and hits the base of the post!
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 16:35
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
United resorting to counter-attacking mostly now, as City pile on the pressure, with Bobb and Savinho a constant threat on each wing.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 16:34
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
A great pass from Onana sets McTominay away, but he’s fouled almost midway into the City half.
United have a breakaway attack and Fernandes is nearly through, but he doesn’t have the pace and rifles a shot straight at Ederson.
City counter, and a brilliant last-ditch challenge from Martinez prevents Savinho from a goalscoring opportunity.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 16:30