Manchester City exacted revenge for their FA Cup final loss to Manchester United by securing the Community Shield with a 7-6 victory on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Wembley on Saturday.
The match came to life in the final 10 minutes, with Alejandro Garnacho giving United the lead before Bernardo Silva equalized for City in the 89th minute.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, City prevailed as Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans missed their attempts for United.
This win marks City’s first victory in a season opener during their record four consecutive Premier League titles, having lost to Leicester, Liverpool, and Arsenal in the previous years.
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City’s preparations were hampered by the absence of several key players who returned late to pre-season following their participation in Euro 2024 and Copa America. England internationals Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden, as well as Spain’s Rodri, were still missing from training.
In contrast, United’s Erik ten Hag, eager for more success, integrated teenager Kobbie Mainoo directly into the squad following his impressive performances for England in Germany.
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Despite resting Kevin De Bruyne and Silva, City dominated early on with Jeremy Doku causing problems down the left wing.
James McAtee, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, nearly made an impact with a curling shot that hit the post midway through the first half.
Ten Hag, whose position was reportedly secured by beating City in May, will feel disappointed that his side didn’t prevail again. United, despite being largely out of possession, created several chances. Amad Diallo missed a golden opportunity by opting to pass to Bruno Fernandes instead of shooting himself as the half-time approached.
Fernandes, playing as a makeshift center-forward due to injuries to Rasmus Hojlund and the unfitness of Joshua Zirkzee, thought he had scored with a superb strike on the hour, only for it to be ruled out for offside.
Garnacho added energy to the United attack after coming on for the last 30 minutes, setting up Marcus Rashford, who hit the post with only Ederson to beat. Garnacho then believed he had won the game in the 82nd minute with a low drive into the corner, but City equalized in the dying moments when Oscar Bobb’s cross was headed in by Silva.
In the shootout, Silva missed first, his penalty saved by Andre Onana. Sancho also faltered, his attempt brilliantly saved by Ederson, who then converted his own penalty to keep City in the contest.
Evans missed his chance to secure the win for United, and Manuel Akanji, whose missed penalty had cost Switzerland in their Euro 2024 quarter-final against England, redeemed himself by scoring the decisive penalty for City.
