Community Shield: Man City vs Man United - Key players to watch, tactics, injuries - Match Preview

Community Shield: Man City vs Man United.

Community Shield: Man City vs Man United - Key players to watch, tactics, injuries - Match Preview

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 06:16 - 10.08.2024

All you need to know about the Community Shield clash between Manchester City and Manchester United.

The 2024/25 English football season kicks off with a tantalising Manchester derby as Premier League champions Manchester City face FA Cup winners Manchester United in the Community Shield.

This match not only offers the first silverware of the season but also provides a glimpse into both teams' preparedness for the upcoming campaign, with both sides dealing with notable absences.

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Manchester City - Key Players and Tactics

  • Erling Haaland - Striker

After a record-breaking debut season with 52 goals in all competitions, Erling Haaland followed that up by firing Man City to an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title with 27 goals to emerge as top scorer.

Erling Haaland of Manchester City || Imago
Erling Haaland of Manchester City || Imago

Scored in both Manchester derbies last season in the Premier League (3 goals total) but was caged in the FA Cup when both teams last met at Wembley.

He will be looking to break that curse, with his physicality and clinical finishing set to test United's potentially makeshift defence.

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  • Kevin De Bruyne - Midfielder

The playmaking genius continues to prove decisive for the Cityzens after topping the assist chart for the club with 10 in the PL.

Kelvin De Bruyne || Imago
Kelvin De Bruyne || Imago

De Bruyne continues to wow with his exceptional vision and passing range, and is especially dangerous with through balls.

Fondly called KDB, he will be crucial in orchestrating City's attacks in the absence of several key players.

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  • Bernardo Silva - Midfielder

Man City’s Mr versatility may need to cover multiple positions due to the absences of some key players for Pep Guardiola.

His work rate and ability to retain possession will be vital in midfield as the champions look to reaffirm their superiority over their city rivals.

Bernardo Silva will be important to Man City. (Photo Credit: Man City/X)
Bernardo Silva will be important to Man City. (Photo Credit: Man City/X)

Tactical Approach

Guardiola may need to adjust his tactics due to the absence of key players but i don’t expect less than his normal possession-based style, but potentially with less pressing intensity.

Pep Guardiola became the first coach in history to win four consecutive Premier League titles | X(Premier League)

We could see some youth players or fringe squad members getting an opportunity or perhaps new signings led by Brazilian star Savinho.

Manchester United - Key Players and Tactics

  • Bruno Fernandes - Attacking Midfielder

The Portuguese magnifico scored 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions last season as United endured a difficult campaign before the FA Cup win.

Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrate with the FA Cup after winning during the FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United. (Photo Credit: Imago)

The leader of the Red Devils will be looking to lead by example and his creativity will be crucial, especially with several defensive players doubtful.

Fernandes played a key role the last time both sides clashed at the same venue when he set up Kobbie Mainoo for that decisive winner.

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  • Marcus Rashford - Forward

With a career-best season of 30 goals across all competitions, Rashford endured a season to forget after he scored just eight last season for United.

He will be looking to return to that 2022/23 level starting with such a big game like this against a top-six side and rival.

Marcus Rashford has a lot to prove this season for Man united.  IMAGO
Marcus Rashford has a lot to prove this season for Man united. IMAGO

His pace on the counterattack could exploit spaces behind City's potentially reshuffled defence.

  • Amad Traore - Winger

The Ivorian playmaker impressed during pre-season and is set for a potential breakout campaign.

Amad Traore celebrates a goal for Man United in preseason. (Photo Credit: X)
Amad celebrates a goal for Man United in preseason. (Photo Credit: X)

His dribbling skills and creativity could provide a spark in United's attack. Look for him to make impactful substitute appearances if not starting.

  • Joshua Zirkzee - Striker

The new signing who could make his debut for Manchester United is another player to look out for.

Joshua Zirkzee is United's latest star | Credit: Instagram

Manager Erik Ten Hag has confirmed he is motivated and will play a role against City at Wembley.

Zirkzee offers a different dimension to United's attack with his hold-up and link-up plays.

Tactical Approach

Ten Hag is likely to employ a counter-attacking strategy, utilising the pace of Rashford and potentially Amad.

Expect a disciplined defensive shape, possibly in a 4-2-3-1 formation or perhaps 4-2-2-2 as was the case in the FA Cup despite the absence of a key cog - Sofyan Amrabat in midfield.

Erik Ten Hag with the Emirates FA Cup Manchester United won last season.
Erik Ten Hag with the Emirates FA Cup Manchester United won last season. (Photo Credit: Imago)

The Dutchman who has been given a redemption chance after extending his stay may need to adjust tactics based on available personnel, especially in defence.

Injury and Team Updates

Manchester United

  • Harry Maguire: Doubtful after missing the pre-season game vs Liverpool.
  • Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof: Doubts after failing to finish the Liverpool game.
  • Luke Shaw: Out
  • Leny Yoro (new signing): Out
Harry Maguire is a doubt for the Community Shield.
Harry Maguire is a doubt for the Community Shield. Harry Maguire wants to fight for Manchester United place (Credit: Imago)

Manchester City:

  • Rodri, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and John Stones: Out due to involvement in the Euro 2024 final.

Form and Fitness

Both teams are still in pre-season mode, so match sharpness could be an issue.

Spain's Rodri was named Euro 2024 MVP despite being forced off injured. | Imago

United's defensive reshuffling due to injuries could be a significant factor.

City missing several key players may impact their usual fluid style of play.

Managers' Perspective

Pep Guardiola will need to show his tactical flexibility given the absences in his squad.

Pep Guardiola and Erik Ten Hag face off again at Wembley, this time for the Community Shield. (Photo: Imago)
Pep Guardiola and Erik Ten Hag face off again at Wembley, this time for the Community Shield. (Photo: Imago)

Erik ten Hag faces the challenge of organising a potentially makeshift defence while also integrating new signings.

This Community Shield clash promises to be an intriguing tactical battle, with both managers needing to adapt to their available personnel.

While City enters as favourites given their recent dominance, their absences and United's potential to spring surprises with players like Amad could make for an unpredictable and exciting match.

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