Manchester City vs Manchester United Community Shield Preview

• Haaland to score
• Both teams to score

The English football season kicks off with an exciting Manchester derby at Wembley, featuring Premier League champions Manchester City against their arch-rivals Manchester United. And here is our first EPLNews preview of the season.

This matchup not only reignites the fierce rivalry, but also offers City a chance for redemption after their FA Cup final defeat to United just two months ago.

Community Shield Challenges

City’s Recent Struggles

Despite Manchester City’s dominance in English football, their record in the Community Shield has been less than stellar.

With only six wins out of 15 appearances, and having lost the season opener for three consecutive years, City face the challenge of avoiding a fourth successive defeat—a fate last suffered by Manchester United from 1998 to 2001.

United’s Impressive History

Contrastingly, Manchester United boast a strong track record in the Community Shield, with 21 wins and only nine losses.

This match marks their first appearance since 2016, under then-manager José Mourinho. Historically, United have triumphed in their last four Community Shield matches, including a memorable 3-2 victory over City in 2011.

Pre-Season Form and Team Dynamics

Manchester United’s Mixed Results

United’s pre-season has been inconsistent (W2, L3), with injuries to new signings and key players adding to the challenges faced by manager Erik ten Hag.

Despite winning the FA Cup, United’s overall performance last season was underwhelming, and the team will be eager to start the new season on a high note.

Key Players to Watch

Erling Haaland

City’s striking sensation, Erling Haaland, ended his pre-season with a hat-trick against Chelsea and will be looking to continue his formidable form. Haaland has a remarkable record against United, having scored six times in just four league appearances.

Marcus Rashford

On the United front, Marcus Rashford is set to prove his worth following his omission from the EURO 2024 squad. Rashford has faced City 21 times, scoring in six encounters, and his performance will be crucial for United’s chances at Wembley.

Conclusion

The upcoming Community Shield offers more than just a trophy. It is a symbolic battle for supremacy between two of England’s footballing giants.

As both teams gear up for this highly anticipated encounter, the focus will be on key players like Erling Haaland and Marcus Rashford, whose contributions could decide the fate of the match.

This derby is not just a curtain-raiser for the season but also a critical test of resilience and strategy for both Manchester City and Manchester United.

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