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The 2024/25 campaign officially kicks off among English top-flight teams with the Community Shield at Wembley – and it’s the same two teams meeting as were on that pitch at the end of May for the FA Cup final.
Manchester United triumphed in that game, quite possibly salvaging Erik ten Hag’s job in the process, and they’ll once more face a derby encounter with a trophy as the prize, against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Silverware might be on the line but this is essentially a glorified friendly, baring little relevance to the season ahead – yet it will be an important part of both teams’ preparations regardless, as league action is just one week away. United in particular are struggling with injuries at the start of the season, while Man City haven’t had all their Euro 2024 and Copa America stars back for long, so additional practice time on the pitch is of the essence.
Follow the Community Shield below with all the build-up and match action as Man City face Man United:
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
Straight away, Doku wins the next battle against Dalot too, and follows it up by skipping past Maguire and into the box. He clips a cross backwards towards O’Reilly, but it’s too far back and the danger’s gone.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 15:19
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
Casemiro’s clearance earlier is the closest the ball has got to either goal so far.
Doku wins the latest battle against Dalot as the full-back brings the Belgian down on halfway.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 15:18
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
Nice feet from McAtee on the edge of the United box, but his cross can’t find a blue shirt.
Harry Maguire is briefly down as he collides with Haaland as the Norwegian chased a pass to Onana.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 15:16
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
City are starting to impose themselves now, having kept a large chunk of possession over the last five minutes or so, though it ends when the cross-field ball goes out for a goal kick.
Ridiculous from Jonny Evans as he fails to clear and gives away a needless corner.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 15:13
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
Bobb’s corner is a good one and Casemiro does well to head away at the near post. United clear the second corner, but Diallo fouls Lewis as he tries to win possession.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 15:11
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
United have actually set up with Fernandes more as a false 9, with Mount at 10 and Rashford on the wing. It would be nice to see Zirkzee at some point from a United point of view.
Bobb and Haaland look for the one-two on the edge of the United box, but there’s a little too much on it from the City striker. Moments later, they win their first corner of the match.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 15:10
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
So no De Bruyne, Silva, Foden, Walker or Rodri for City today, though looking at the United defence, you would probably still fancy City to nick it come full-time.
The presence of Jonny Evans and Casemiro at the start of the 2024/25 season will not be a comfort to any United fans, that’s for sure.
No chances at all yet, with both teams trying to settle.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 15:07
Man City 0-0 Manchester United
A cagey opening couple of minutes, with neither side able to keep sustained possession. United are passing it around in their defensive third, with City happy to leave them to it for now.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 15:03
Kick-off! Man City 0-0 Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes gets us underway in the annual Premier League curtain-raiser.
Chris Wilson10 August 2024 15:01
Man City vs Manchester United
The teams are ut on the pitch and lining up for the national anthem and the match will get underway in just three minutes’ time
Sonia Twigg10 August 2024 14:57
