The 2024/25 English football season kicks off with an exciting Community Shield clash between Manchester City and Manchester United. The match, held at Wembley Stadium, will see the Premier League champions face the FA Cup winners in a battle for early-season silverware.
Key Players to Watch
Manchester City
- Erling Haaland – Striker
- Stats: 27 goals in the Premier League last season.
- Profile: After a record-breaking debut season with 52 goals, Haaland is expected to be a key threat. He scored three goals in last season’s Manchester derbies but was kept quiet in the FA Cup final.
- Quote: Haaland will look to break his Wembley curse and continue his prolific form.
- Kevin De Bruyne – Midfielder
- Stats: 10 assists in the Premier League last season.
- Profile: Known for his exceptional vision and passing, De Bruyne will play a crucial role in City’s attack, especially with several key players absent.
- Quote: De Bruyne’s creativity will be vital in orchestrating City’s play.
- Bernardo Silva – Midfielder
- Profile: Versatile and hardworking, Silva may need to cover multiple roles due to absences. His ability to retain possession will be important.
- Quote: Silva’s adaptability will be crucial for City’s midfield.
Manchester United
- Bruno Fernandes – Attacking Midfielder
- Stats: 15 goals and 13 assists last season.
- Profile: United’s captain and playmaker, Fernandes will be essential for creativity and leadership. He played a key role in the FA Cup final against City.
- Quote: Fernandes will look to lead United with his vision and passing.
- Marcus Rashford – Forward
- Stats: 30 goals in all competitions two seasons ago.
- Profile: After a less impressive season, Rashford will aim to return to his top form and exploit spaces in City’s defence.
- Quote: Rashford’s pace could be a major asset for United.
- Amad Traore – Winger
- Profile: Impressive in pre-season, Traore’s dribbling and creativity could provide a spark in United’s attack.
- Quote: Traore may make an impact as a starter or substitute.
- Joshua Zirkzee – Striker
- Profile: A new signing who could make his debut and add a different dimension to United’s attack.
- Quote: Zirkzee offers a strong hold-up play and link-up options.
Tactical Approaches
- Manchester City: Pep Guardiola may need to adjust his tactics due to the absence of key players. Expect City to maintain their possession-based style but with potentially less pressing intensity. Youth players or new signings like Savinho might get opportunities.
- Manchester United: Erik ten Hag is likely to employ a counter-attacking strategy, using the pace of Rashford and possibly Amad. A disciplined defensive shape in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2 formation is anticipated, despite the absence of key midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
Injury and Team Updates
- Manchester United:
- Harry Maguire: Doubtful after missing a pre-season game.
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof: Doubts after recent injuries.
- Luke Shaw: Out.
- Leny Yoro: Out.
- Manchester City:
- Rodri, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and John Stones: Out due to involvement in the Euro 2024 final.
Managers’ Perspectives
- Pep Guardiola will need to show flexibility and adapt his tactics due to the missing players.
- Erik ten Hag faces the challenge of managing a potentially makeshift defence and integrating new signings.
This Community Shield clash promises to be an intriguing battle, with both managers needing to adapt to their available personnel. Manchester City enters as favourites, but United’s potential to spring surprises with players like Amad makes for an exciting and unpredictable match.
WE SAY
City win 3-1.
