The story of the FA Community Shield

Manchester United performed well but narrowly lost the FA Community Shield on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

The Reds controlled the game and created the better opportunities, leading to substitute Alejandro Garnacho breaking the deadlock after 82 minutes with an excellent finish.

Bernardo Silva equalised with a back-post header in the final moments of normal time – their only shot on target – and spot-kicks were required, leading to the Blues snatching the trophy with a 7-6 win.

While disappointed not to lift the shield, Erik ten Hag’s Reds can take lots of positives from the occasion and the attention now turns to next Friday’s Premier League opener against Fulham.

Read on for more details from the game…

Watch the highlights from Wembley Stadium

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FIRST HALF

Ten Hag named a strong line-up at Wembley, with returning internationals Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes making their first appearances of the summer, but new signing Joshua Zirkzee remained an unused substitute as the Dutchman continues to build his fitness.

Pep Guardiola picked a youthful side, as he hinted at in his pre-match press conference, albeit with star striker Erling Haaland leading the line following a fruitful pre-season campaign.

The Blues controlled the ball throughout the opening stages and mostly in United’s half, leading to their first meaningful opportunity in the 22nd minute when tricky winger Oscar Bobb cut inside from the right to lash a left-footed high and wide of Andre Onana’s goal. Moments later, James McAtee saw a shot bounce off the post after pouncing on a loose ball from Martinez.

Those chances sparked United into life and the Reds immediately moved up the pitch, leading to our first chance: Amad drove up the right wing, jinked between two markers and hit a left-footed shot just wide of the far post, highlighting his sharpness following a positive Tour 2024.

The Ivory Coast international was then involved in a lovely team move, exchanging passes with Casemiro to run through on goal, before unselfishly squaring a ball back inside. Unfortunately, Amad’s pass did not find Mason Mount and our no.16 perhaps should have shot instead.

United finished the half in the ascendancy and playing some lovely football with intricate passing moves. The most impressive led to Marcus Rashford shooting wide on 38 minutes.

SECOND HALF

Joy quickly became frustration in the 54th minute as the linesman’s delayed flag correctly disallowed a Fernandes ‘goal’ for offside. The Portuguese talisman had unleashed a delicious strike into the top corner from 25 yards.

Ten Hag made four changes just before the hour mark, handing Toby Collyer his competitive debut after a number of impressive pre-season performances. In the process, the 20-year-old midfielder became the 251st debutant from our legendary Academy. Facundo Pellistri also returned to United action, at right-back, following his loan spell at Granada last season.

The game began to open up in the latter stages as tired legs appeared on both sides, leading to more spaces and opportunities to score. Bruno was again in the thick of it, latching onto a wonderful pass from the excellent Casemiro to see a first-time shot saved by Ederson.

Rashford hit the post with a left-footed shot and, moments later, the no.10’s downward header from a corner led to Scott McTominay stretching in vein to convert from close range.

United’s pressure eventually paid off and it was substitute Garnacho who broke the deadlock, cutting inside from the right wing, drifting past two defenders and drilling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, sparking jubilant scenes.

Parity was unfortunately restored in the 89th minute as City replacement Bernardo headed in at the back post, prompting a penalty shootout.