A new season is almost upon us, preceded by the curtain-raiser that divides many an opinion – a Manchester derby installation of the Community Shield.
The 2024 edition sees last season’s Premier League champions Manchester City take on the FA Cup winners Manchester United.
Some believe the annual fixture to be a genuine title and a trophy worth winning. Others insist it is nothing more than a glorified friendly, with its only purpose getting more minutes into the player’s legs.
Regardless of which camp you fall into, victory at Wembley on Saturday undoubtedly offers a confidence booster ahead of the League campaign.
Record holders
United have a rich history in the competition, holding the record for most victories since its inception – with 21.
Their last appearance came in 2016, defeating Leicester City to claim their most recent shield win.
The Red Devils also defeated Saturday’s opponents in the 2011 instalment with a dramatic 3-2 comeback success.
Neighbours City have won six Community/Charity Shields, the most recent coming in 2019. They lost last year’s meeting with Arsenal via a penalty shoot-out.
Build up
Both teams are coming off the back of pre-season tours to America and will be eager to put out capable sides, with the new Premier League season set to get underway the following weekend.
Erik ten Hag’s men played three matches in the States and returned with a mixed bag. A defeat to Arsenal was followed by a win and a loss against Real Betis and Liverpool, respectively.
The most important aspect of the tour, though, was building fitness and working on tactical set-up and shape ahead of another gruelling schedule.
Injury Issues
The preparations were not without setbacks, as the Reds suffered more injury-woe.
New boy Leny Yoro will miss up to three months of action following a broken metatarsal in the recent defeat against the Gunners.
Striker Rasmus Hojlund also picked up a hamstring problem in the same game – which ruled the Danish international out for at least six weeks.
Pep Guardiola’s English kingpins report a clean bill of health ahead of the derby, with Ederson and Rodri the only ones at risk of missing out.
Verdict
Cup holders United will be keen to once again get one over on their crosstown rivals – following their superb performance in the Wembley showpiece on May 25.
The Citizens will look to avenge that defeat and start the day as favourites.
Tomorrow’s result will certainly not be a season-defining moment for either side.
However, Ten Hag would no doubt like to add another piece of silverware to the ones already acquired during his first two years in charge of the Old Trafford outfit – setting the scene for a promising start to 2024-25.
How do you feel about the Community Shield, and will Manchester United make it back-to-back victories over their fierce rivals?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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