Manchester City and Manchester United meet in the season’s traditional curtain-raiser this weekend, as the local rivals collide in the Community Shield.
A glamourised pre-season contest for some but there’s rarely anything ‘friendly’ about meetings between the Mancunian neighbours. With bragging rights and the season’s first silverware at stake, there’s plenty to play for.
Here is all you need to know about Saturday’s clash.
Manchester City vs Manchester United – Community Shield Preview
Form (Pre-season)
Manchester City: LLDW
After an unconvincing start to the club’s pre-season campaign, Pep Guardiola’s team clicked into gear to thrash Chelsea last weekend with Erling Haaland helping himself to a hat-trick.
The summer’s major tournaments mean it has not been ideal preparation for Europe’s top teams with absent stars and the Citizens have looked uncharacteristically vulnerable, conceding 11 goals in just four games during their tour of the United States.
Haaland’s five goals indicate the back-to-back Golden Boot winner is gearing up for another big season and the Norwegian will want to continue his strong record against Manchester United. Haaland has hit six goals in six previous Manchester Derby appearances.
’99 throwback ⏪???? pic.twitter.com/7a7RzuhTzt
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 8, 2024
Oscar Bobb has caught the eye in pre-season as the 21-year-old targets a regular role this season, while there will excitement to see summer signing Savinho in his first (semi) competitive match.
Manchester United: LWLWL
A mixed pre-season campaign for Erik ten Hag and his team, who have demonstrated the inconsistencies that have plagued his reign to date.
A 3-0 defeat to Liverpool saw familiar flaws exposed with the United midfield particularly open, while the injuries have piled up. Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro will miss the start of the season, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are doubts for the weekend to leave the Red Devils short at centre-back.
Joshua Zirkzee is in line to make his debut with Hojlund sidelined, following his £34m arrival from Bologna. Ten Hag handed opportunities to several starlets as he awaited the return of the club’s first-team players from international commitments with Harry Amass and Toby Collyer having staked a claim for senior involvement this season.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 9, 2024
Manchester United have a strong record in this fixture having won 21 of their previous 30 appearances in the Community Shield.
Last Meeting
Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United, FA Cup final, 25th May 2024
Manchester United caused an upset to beat Manchester City and win the FA Cup for the 13th time in 2023-24.
Erik ten Hag’s position as manager was under threat after a disappointing domestic season but the Red Devils produced their best moment of his reign to date to beat City at Wembley.
Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring after capitalising on a defensive mix-up between City keeper Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol, before Kobbie Mainoo doubled the lead from a brilliant Bruno Fernandes assist.
Jeremy Doku pulled one back late on for the Citizens as United held on, but it was Ten Hag’s team who took the trophy at full-time.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City: Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, De Bruyne; Bobb, Bernardo, Grealish; Haaland
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Evans, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Mount; Amad, Rashford, Fernandes.
Who is the referee?
Jarred Gillet.
What channel is Manchester City vs Manchester United on?
The 2024 Community Shield will be on ITV 1, ITVX and STV in the United Kingdom.
What time is kick off?
Saturday 10th August, 15:00 BST.
Odds
Manchester City – 4/7
Draw – 7/2
Manchester United – 4/1
Read – 10 of the most iconic Manchester Derby photos
See more – 10 defining moments in the Manchester Derby rivalry
