- Bernado Silva’s header takes City to penalty shootout
- Jadon Sancho and Ten Hag resolve differences as the forward starts for the Red Devils
- Manchester City still has concrete attacking options in youngsters despite Alvarez’s exit
Premier League champions, Manchester City, triumphed over FA Cup winners Manchester United with a 7-6 victory in a penalty shootout to win the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday, August 10.
The match ended 1-1 after regular time. Erik ten Hag’s United appeared poised to repeat their FA Cup final heroics over City when Alejandro Garnacho scored in the 82nd minute.
However, City's Bernardo Silva equalised just before the final whistle, forcing the game to penalties. Manuel Akanji secured the win for City with the decisive penalty after Silva had previously missed.
United's Jonny Evans and Jadon Sancho were unable to convert their penalties. Garnacho's strike and Silva's late goal from Oscar Bobb’s assist led the match to a shootout.
This victory marked City’s first Community Shield win since 2019, breaking a streak of losses to Arsenal, Liverpool, and Leicester City in previous years.
Jadon Sancho and Ten Hag resolve differences as the forward starts for the Red Devils
United were on the brink of claiming their third trophy under Ten Hag when Alejandro Garnacho gave them a lead in the 82nd minute at Wembley.
However, Bernardo Silva's header in the 89th minute forced the game into a penalty shootout, where Sancho and Jonny Evans both missed their chances, leading to a 7-6 win for City.
Sancho had been loaned to Borussia Dortmund for the second half of the previous season after a public dispute with Ten Hag, who had labeled the winger a poor trainer following a defeat to Arsenal last September.
Ten Hag stated that he had moved on from the incident when Sancho rejoined United's pre-season training last month, and the missed penalty on Saturday, which was saved by Ederson, will not change his view.
"I had no doubts about him," Ten Hag said regarding Sancho after the game.
"He's a very good penalty taker and today he missed, but that's part of the game. I am sure in the future he will take penalties."
Manchester City still has sufficient attacking options in youngsters despite Alvarez’s exit
Oscar Bobb was exceptionally brilliant in the Community Shield match against United, showing he's poised for a larger role in the upcoming 2024-25 season. Last year, Bobb made a significant impact with his dramatic stoppage-time goal against Newcastle United in January, but he's eager for more opportunities on the pitch.
Pep Guardiola gave Bobb a starting role at Wembley, where he presented numerous challenges to the Red Devils with his impressive dribbling and composure on the ball.
In the first half, Bobb nearly set up the opening goal for his team by winning the ball high upfield. Instead of taking a shot himself, he made a smart pass to City teammate James McAtee, whose effort struck the post.
Former United midfielder and Premier League pundit Roy Keane highlighted in his half-time analysis, "When a team boasts attacking talents like Manchester City, it alters the dynamics of the match."
He added, "Oscar Bobb creates more space for City, which makes a big difference.”
It is now left with the 21-year-old Bobb to prove himself again when given a chance by Pep, he will however face serious competition in the star-studded team.
Misfiring Marcus Rashford needs to be better
Marcus Rashford's performance in the recent match left much to be desired as he struggled to make a significant impact. The English forward had a golden opportunity in the first half to put Manchester United ahead, thanks to a precise setup from Casemiro.
However, Rashford’s attempt veered several yards wide, a miss that highlighted his lack of confidence and sharpness in front of goal.
Former United striker Dion Dublin quickly critiqued Rashford’s effort, remarking,
"There was no venom in the shot! He tried to curl it on the floor. I want a bit more belief that he can score."
Dublin’s comments show a broader concern about Rashford’s recent performances. The forward appeared subdued throughout the game, struggling to find space and connect with his teammates.
Rashford’s woes continued into the second half when he squandered another crucial chance, hitting the post and failing to capitalize on a vital opportunity.
For Manchester United to thrive this season, Rashford must find his rhythm and start converting those critical chances into goals.
Community Shield Preview: 3 things to note as Man United take on Man City in derby final
Previously, TheRadar reported that Manchester United will aim to achieve another significant victory over Manchester City as the FA Cup winners seek additional silverware.
The 117th FA Community Shield features a rematch of May’s FA Cup final, pitting Manchester City against Manchester United in a Manchester derby with significant implications.
