Manchester United delivered a good attacking performance but ultimately ended up losing out in a penalty shootout to local rivals Manchester City in the FA Community Shield after both sides drew 1-1 after ninety minutes.
Erik Ten Hag named a strong lineup with Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot and captain Bruno Fernandes making their first start of the new season. New summer signing Joshua Zirkzee had to settle for a place on the bench as he steps up his fitness.
A cautious first half FROM BOTH SIDES
The opening exchanges of the match saw a slow pace operated by both sides but with the Citizens controlling the ball keeping United within their own half. The 22nd minute saw City’s Oscar Bobb cut inside from the right-hand side but his effort at goal went high and wide. Moments later, James McAtee picked up a loose pass from Lisandro Martinez, who maneuvered the ball into the United six-yard box to put it past Andre Onana hitting the post in the process before being cleared away.
United found new life and went on the offensive at the half-hour mark leading to our first chance on goal. Amad drove the ball up the right wing before getting past two City players and hit a shot that just went wide of the post. The Reds best chance of the half when Amad, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes all combined in a good attacking counter with some lovely exchanges. At the end of the move, Amad squared the ball across the box but Mason Mount was unable to connect with it.
In the 37th minute, we launched another attack but Rashford put his effort wide of the goal. It was one of United’s best opportunities to take the lead. We were in the ascendancy as both sides went in at half-time level.
Garnacho makes an impact
Eight minutes into the second half, the United fans were in raptures as Bruno Fernandes had scored a belter of a goal 25 yards from outside the box. However, it was ruled out for offside but United continued to push. Ten Hag made his first substitutions with Mount, Maguire, Mainoo and Amad being replaced with Collyer, Pellistri, McTominay and Garnacho.
As the game entered the latter stages it opened up with more spaces and opportunities to score. Bruno Fernandes was becoming more instrumental and nearly gave us the lead when he latched onto Casemiro’s pass but Ederson saved his shot. Moments later, the Reds were on the attack as Garnacho ran past the City defence on the right wing to deliver the ball into the box but Rashford’s effort hit the post.
Fernandes then drilled a corner into the City six yard box. Rashford directed the header towards McTominay but couldn’t connect with the ball. With ten minutes to go, Garnacho received a long pass from Fernandes. He then weaved the ball into the box and slotted the shot into the bottom right corner sparking delight amongst the United faithful.
We were unable to hold on to the lead when in the 88th minute Bernardo Silva was unmarked when he arrived in the box to head the ball into the net for City’s equaliser. With the game level after ninety minutes, we headed for a penalty shootout.
The shootout saw Fernandes start the proceedings as he slotted the first penalty home. Andre Onana then saved Bernardo Silva’s effort to give United the advantage. Subsequent penalties were scored by both sides. Ederson saved Jadon Sancho’s effort and then scored from the spot himself to send it into sudden death. Jonny Evans subsequently hit the ball over the bar before City’s Manuel Akanji then stepped up to score with United losing out.
Player Ratings & MOTM
Andre Onana – 7. Did’nt really have to make a save in the course of the ninety minutes. Stopped Bernando Silva’s penalty in the shootout but was unable to prevent the others going in.
Diogo Dalot – 6. Could have been outmanoeuvred by Jeremy Doku at times but handled himself well.
Harry Maguire – 5.5. Not quite fully match fit yet but did a good job of keeping Haaland at bay until subbed off early in the second half.
Lisandro Martinez – 6. Filled in at left-back. Controlled in possession and his usual combative self but did lose Oscar Bobb in the build-up to City’s equaliser
Jonny Evans – 5. Gave the ball away which led to McAtee hitting the post. Made several clearances and blocks. Hit an awful penalty in the shootout
Casemiro – 7. A better performance and his passing was on point. Did not look as vulnerable as he did last season.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5. Looked decent despite only coming back from a short break after the Euros
Bruno Fernandes – 7.5. Played an important part in the second half as his influence grew. Had scored a superb goal though ruled out for offside
Amad Diallo – 8. Every time he got on the ball down the right flank he threatened the opposition’s defence but was able to find the back of the net with his efforts on goal.
Mason Mount – 5. Was not able to make an impact and struggled at times to gain a foothold within the game.
Marcus Rashford – 6. Still trying to find the form from a couple of seasons ago. Had two good chances to score but went wide of the goal and hit the post in the second half.
Subs:
Garnacho – 8.5 & MOTM. Made a difference when he came on and scored when he slotted the ball into the far right corner of the goal. Had laid a perfect ball into the box for Rashford only for him to hit the post.
Facundo Pellistri – 6. Did okay in the defence and made a last-ditch tackle on Kevin De Bruyne in injury time.
Scott McTominay – 5. Had a great chance to put us ahead but did not connect with the ball from Rashford’s header.
Toby Collyer – 6. Looked composed and calm on the ball during his first Wembley appearance.
Jadon Sancho – 5. Only for the last ten minutes of the game and then was denied by Ederson in the shootout.
Looking ahead
Our attention now turns to next Friday evening when United return to Old Trafford for the first Premier League fixture against Fulham. Whilst it was disappointing to lose out in the Community Shield, there are many positives we can take from it and build upon for the season ahead.