Community Shield: Manchester United vs Man City Predicted Starting 11s

In a repeat of last season’s FA Cup final, Manchester United will aim for consecutive wins over Manchester City on August 10 in the 2024 Community Shield final. Their previous dramatic 2-1 victory not only extended their record for most FA Cup titles to 13 but also helped Erik ten Hag retain his job after a poor Premier League campaign.

Despite being considered a ‘glorified pre-season friendly’ by some, the match carries significant importance for both sides, with neither wanting to lose bragging rights to their rivals.

However, the first question on everyone’s minds is how both managers will set up their teams. Typically, the team news released around an hour before kick-off provides an indication of their Premier League campaign strategies. Yet, with Pep Guardiola’s notorious selection unpredictability and Ten Hag forced into a reshuffle due to injuries, predicting the starting elevens is challenging.

Manchester United’s Predicted XI

Amad Diallo continues his red-hot form

Injuries to Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and £52million signing Leny Yoro have complicated matters for Manchester United, exacerbating their precarious transition phase. However, this makes Ten Hag’s selection process slightly more straightforward. In defense, André Onana will stay between the sticks, with Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire replacing the injured in the heart of the back-line, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Amass rewarded for their steady form on the flanks.

In midfield, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount are expected to play, although Kobbie Mainoo is likely to get extra recovery time following England’s Euro 2024 final loss against Spain.

In attack, Amad Diallo should retain his starting position on the right wing, with three pre-season games seeing him notch a goal contribution in each. Joshua Zirkzee is expected to debut due to injuries to Hojlund and Rashford, while Jadon Sancho hopes to prove he can revive his Old Trafford career.

Manchester City’s Predicted XI

‘Pep roulette’ strikes again for Euro 2024 stars

Having secured a fourth consecutive Premier League title last term, Pep Guardiola’s experimental approach, particularly in cup finals and early-season fixtures, is well-known. It is likely that Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden, all of whom reached the Euro 2024 final with their respective countries, will remain on the sidelines.

However, Mateo Kovacic is improving with every minute in midfield, while Oscar Bobb and Jack Grealish have impressed from either flank in pre-season friendlies. Guardiola can rely on Rico Lewis and Nathan Ake to maintain stability, with Stefan Ortega expected to retain his position as the ‘cup goalkeeper’.

With Rodri and Foden rested, the only real surprise could be 19-year-old midfielder Nico O’Reilly. Though most neutrals may be unaware of his name, there’s a good chance he will feature prominently next season after playing in all three pre-season friendlies, showing he has the potential to be the next big thing from Manchester City’s academy.