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As the curtain rises on the 2024-2025 football season, the Community Shield between Manchester City and Manchester United promises to be more than just a traditional curtain-raiser. Manchester City, having clinched the Premier League title by narrowly overcoming Arsenal in a fiercely contested race, are looking to carry their domestic dominance into the new campaign.
With their squad brimming with talent and confidence, City aim to lay down an early marker against their crosstown rivals. This match will not only serve as a reminder of their supremacy in English football but also as a statement of intent for the season ahead.
On the other side of the pitch, Manchester United enter the final with a point to prove. After an unexpected yet exhilarating 2-1 victory over City in the FA Cup Final, United secured their place in the Community Shield with a resurgence that has reinvigorated their fan base.
This clash offers United an opportunity to further build on that momentum and show that their cup win was not a mere fluke. The Red Devils will be eager to disrupt City’s momentum and demonstrate that they, too, are serious contenders for silverware this season. With both teams set to embark on a long and grueling campaign, this match will be an early litmus test for their ambitions, with the result likely to resonate throughout the season.
Community Shield Information
Team News:
Manchester City:
Phil Foden, Rodri, John Stones, and Kyle Walker are set to be absent from the squad, as they have not yet resumed training following their participation in the Euro 2024 final. Other than that, City have a whole squad to choose from.
Phil Foden has won the Premier League Player of the Season award for 2023/24! ✨️🏆
— 365Scores (@365Scores) May 18, 2024
34 Games
17 Goals ⚽️
8 Assists 🎯
2 Hat-tricks 🎩
Well deserved 👏 pic.twitter.com/BxaYEGDHP4
Manchester United:
United are in the wars already, what’s changed?! They’ll be without Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund, who both suffered long-term injuries during a pre-season clash with Arsenal. New signing Joshua Zirkzee, wearing the No. 11 shirt, may get his chance to feature and will be vying with Jadon Sancho for a starting spot up front in Hojlund’s absence.
A HUGE blow for the Red Devils as they lose new signing Leny Yoro to injury!
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 1, 2024
On top of that, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund will also be sidelined 🤕 pic.twitter.com/uP3stua9z8
Defensively, United have concerns as Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Victor Lindelöf have all dealt with issues in the past week, with Maguire still a doubt. However, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo could see some action in the Community Shield despite only beginning their pre-season preparations on Monday.
Key Players:
Two players who have a significant point to prove are Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. Both players, once mainstays in the England squad, found themselves left out of the Euro 2024 roster after underwhelming performances during the previous season. Now, as they return to their clubs with renewed focus, they are determined to reestablish themselves as top-tier talents and force their way back into the national team setup.
Manchester City: Jack Grealish
For Jack Grealish, the weight of expectation has always been heavy, particularly since his high-profile £100m move to Manchester City. Known for his creativity, flair, and ability to unlock defenses with his dribbling and vision, Grealish struggled to consistently deliver last season, leading to questions about his role in Pep Guardiola’s star-studded squad. However, in pre-season, Grealish has shown flashes of the brilliance that once made him one of the most exciting prospects in English football. This game represents an ideal platform for him to prove that he can be the game-changer City needs, particularly with a long season ahead that will demand the best from every player.
Manchester United: Marcus Rashford
On the other side, Marcus Rashford also faces a pivotal moment in his career. Once heralded as the future of English football, Rashford’s previous season was marred by inconsistency, injuries, and a lack of confidence in front of goal. His omission from the England squad for Euro 2024 was a wake-up call, and now, he is eager to show that he has rediscovered the form that made him a key player for both Manchester United and his country.
Rashford’s pace, directness, and ability to score from seemingly impossible situations are his greatest assets, and a strong performance in this match could signal his return to top form, reassuring fans and critics alike that he is ready to lead United’s attack once more.
Both Grealish and Rashford know that this season is critical for their careers. With the motivation of regaining their spots in the England squad, they will be looking to use the Community Shield as a launching pad to remind everyone of their immense talent and importance to their respective teams.
Key Statistics:
- Manchester City have won six of the last eight Manchester Derbies
- Nobody has won the Community Shield more times than Manchester United (21 times)
- Manchester City have won just six of their last 15 Community Shield appearances
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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Community Shield Fan Poll and Odds:
