A capacity crowd took to Wembley for a Manchester derby in the Community Shield – with the game finishing 1-1 after regular time.
The perennial Premier League curtain-raiser saw Erik ten Hag’s side dominate for large quantities of the contest, ultimately squandering a late lead to suffer defeat in a penalty shootout.
The victory was Manchester City’s first in four attempts, having lost out to Arsenal 12 months earlier in the same manner.
An inevitably slow start
The first half began tentatively, with both sides misplacing passes as they warmed to the task.
Guardiola’s men settled quicker, generating a fluid understanding in the attacking third, with the Red wall capable in defence.
Jeremy Doku and Diogo Dalot engaged in a compelling battle, with the Belgian fashioning the opening opportunity following some fine trickery on the left, only to loft his cross fractionally high into the area.
Oscar Bobb was threatening on the right, having enjoyed a summer without international representation – while his compatriot Erling Haaland was anonymous.
His weaving run led to an effort over the bar after twenty minutes. James McAtee then profited from a Lisandro Martinez defensive lapse moments later, only to find the post with his curling effort.
That shook United, with the Reds growing as an attacking force after 25 minutes and formulating a brace of magnificent attacking phases.
Amad Diallo was the inevitable outlet, facilitating wave after wave of Red attacks through a barrage of technically brilliant interchange.
His final ball was inches ahead of an onrushing Mason Mount with an empty goal awaiting, following a passage of one-touch football that left Guardiola’s defence bemused.
A second opportunity played out five minutes later, with Marcus Rashford placed one-on-one with Ederson, only to curl his effort agonisingly wide.
Ten Hag’s side enjoyed the better of the final 20 minutes, with a generally composed manner of transition. However, despite the encouraging interplay, the sides remained goalless at the half.
A series of wasted opportunities
The second 45 began similarly, with the Old Trafford outfit happily retaining momentum.
Wembley was in fine voice, with both sets of supporters adding to an entertaining atmosphere.
Casemiro was a notable performer from the opening whistle, reminding many of the talents he has displayed throughout his career. Like his side, he continued convincingly from the restart.
Bruno Fernandes had the ball in the net after 54 minutes from a typically outstanding long-range effort, only to be ruled marginally offside.
Toby Collyer, Facundo Pellistri, Scott McTominay and Alejandro Garnacho entered the fray after 58 minutes, signalling a change of shape for United, with Dalot moving to the left flank and Martinez moving into his favoured central role.
Ten Hag had to endure his turn in watching his side strike the post after 75 minutes – his players offering the dominant presence.
Assured defensive work from Martinez presented another notable moment of composure between Casemiro and Collyer – the pair combining to release Garnacho, with the Argentine presenting Rashford an opportunity to slot home again.
Unfortunately, a slight bobble led the ball onto his shin, which inadvertently struck the post and sailed wide.
McTominay stuck air after 79 minutes from a Rashford header, failing from five yards with his weaker foot.
The pressure eventually paid off a couple of moments later with the ever-threatening Garnacho slotting home after some fine work on the wing.
Martinez again won the ball in defence and carried it into the opposition half before laying off to Fernandes who guided an intricate pass to the Argentine.
From there, it was all about ability – and Garnacho has that in abundance – sailing past three defenders and slotting the ball beyond Ederson.
Jadon Sancho entered the field for the frustrated Rashford after 83 minutes played – a sight few expected following his Dortmund loan.
United were sailing towards victory until Bernando Silva equalised against the run of play after 89 minutes, following some fine work by Bobb on the byline.
The Norwegian delivered a stellar cross into the area, with Silva beating Pellistri to a header and guiding home.
Following five minutes of added time, the fixture was decided by a penalty shoot-out – with extra time not played in the annual outing.
Andre Onana saved Silva’s opener before Sancho saw the fourth spot-kick saved.
Ultimately, Jonny Evans guided his effort high over the bar, with Manuel Akanji sealing a 7-6 victory.
Despite the defeat, it was an assured performance for Manchester United with several goals left on the field.
Next is a Premier League opener against Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday, with plenty of optimism to take into the Theatre of Dreams.
How do you feel after the latest installation of the Manchester Derby?
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