2024 FA Community Shield opening match preview: Manchester City vs. Manchester United

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Manchester City and Manchester United face off in the 2024 FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on August 10th. This match, a traditional curtain-raiser to the new football season, pits the Premier League champions against the FA Cup winners, promising an exciting start to the campaign.

Match Details:

Match: Manchester City vs Manchester United

Venue: Wembley Stadium

Date & Time: August 10, 15:00 BTS

Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Manchester United holds the upper hand in this rivalry, with 78 wins out of 192 encounters. Manchester City has claimed victory 61 times, with 53 matches ending in draws. The most recent clash saw Manchester United triumph in the 2024 FA Cup final which dashed City’s hopes of a domestic double despite a late strike from Jeremy Doku.

Recent Form and Pre-Season Recap

Manchester City enters the match after a mixed pre-season tour of the United States east coast. Pep Guardiola’s squad experienced three defeats, one through a penalty shoot-out, but ended on a high note with a dominant victory over Chelsea. Despite minor injury concerns for key players like Erling Haaland and Ederson, both have returned to training, ensuring City has a largely fully fit squad for this important fixture.

Team News and Player Fitness

Pep Guardiola’s squad for the Community Shield is almost at full strength, though the match fitness of some players remains uncertain due to their recent return to training. Erling Haaland and Ederson, both pivotal to City’s success, have resumed training and are likely to start.

However, City will be without their European Championship final contingent, including John Stones, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, and Rodri, who have been given extended breaks. Julian Alvarez is also set to miss the match as he finalizes a move to Atletico Madrid.

Manchester United faces their challenges with injuries. Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are doubtful, with fitness assessments pending. Luke Shaw’s availability is also uncertain, while Lisandro Martinez could be an option depending on his recovery. New signings Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund will not feature due to injuries, but Joshua Zirkzee might make his debut for the Red Devils.