Manchester United vs Manchester City – FA Community Shield – Preview, Team News and Updates

2024-08-09 ScoreWaves Staff

The 2024-25 season is almost upon us. Now, here’s a sentence many club football fans have thirsted to hear. But they don’t have to wait for long now, as the FA Community Shield tie will be held tomorrow.

This year’s English curtain raiser will see Manchester United take on their city rivals, Manchester City. This adds another layer of excitement because both the clubs are heavyweights of English football. However, the two traditional rivals have had very contrasting fortunes in recent years.

While Manchester City have dominated English and European football for the past decade and a half, Manchester United have fallen from their perch. However, the new season brings fresh optimism with it. Therefore, the Community Shield tie between United and City is eagerly anticipated.

Manchester United vs Manchester City – Match Preview

The FA Community Shield offers fans their first chance to see their team in competitive action, and it also gives a sneak peek into the tactical plans of both coaches for the upcoming season. That’s why so many people tune in to watch this English curtain-raiser. This year will be no different, as Pep Guardiola’s City faces Erik Ten Hag’s United. It will surely be a fascinating affair.

Manchester United have got to this stage because of their surprising FA Cup win almost four months ago in which they overcame the Citizens by a scoreline of 2-1. That FA Cup win almost single-handedly saved United’s season and Ten Hag’s job in Manchester. The Red Devils endured an abysmal season, recording their lowest points total in Premier League history and finishing 8th, outside the European football spots. But the FA Cup triumph means that United will play in the Europa League this season.

On the contrary, City enjoyed yet another impeccable season, winning their fourth consecutive Premier League title. However, this time Arsenal ran them close, finishing just two points behind City. Community Shield is the first piece of silverware of the season, and the Citizens would look to start their season on a positive note. However, City's preseason tour has raised a few eyebrows. During their U.S. tour, they faced Barcelona, AC Milan, Chelsea, and Celtic, but managed to secure just one win out of those four matches. So, could they start the 2024/25 season on a positive note?

Manchester United vs Manchester City – Team News and Updates

One of the biggest talking points of last season’s title race was Manchester City’s starting goalkeeper spot. Stefan Ortega’s save against Son Heung-Min, which handed City the title, has shifted fan perception. Many City fans feel that Ortega is a much better shot-stopper than Ederson. Therefore, he should replace Ederson in the starting lineup.

Most likely, Stefan Ortega will start tomorrow, as Ederson missed their preseason game against Chelsea due to a knock. Euro 2024 finalist Rodri, John Stones, Phil Foden and Kyle Walker still haven’t returned to training. As a result, they won’t be in the squad for tomorrow’s tie. However, players like Doku, De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Akanji and Ruben Dias all returned in time, and they could be in contention for the starting 11. Youngsters James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly are also in the fray after an impressive preseason.

On the other hand, Manchester United has a lengthy injury list already. New recruit Leny Yoro will be sidelined for 3 months because of a foot injury. Rasmus Hojland will miss six weeks due to a hamstring injury. Moreover, Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof are all doubtful for tomorrow’s tie.

On a positive note, Erik Ten Hag might give new signing Joshua Zirkzee his debut. Jadon Sancho could also start for United, following his impressive loan spell with Dortmund. In defence, the center back pairing could be Johnny Evans and Lisandro Martinez. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw’s injury might open the door for 17-year-old Harry Amass to make his first competitive appearance for United’s senior team. Diogo Dalot will retain his spot on the right side of United’s defence.