The Community Shield was won at Wembley on Saturday by Premier League champions Manchester City, who defeated FA Cup winners Manchester United 7-6 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the customary season opener.
Alejandro Garnacho gave United the lead after 82 minutes, setting Erik ten Hag's team up for another thrilling victory over City in the FA Cup final. However, City midfielder Bernardo Silva scored a minute later to force extra time and penalties.
After Silva had missed the previous one in the shootout, Manuel Akanji, a defender for City, hit the game-winning spot kick. In the shootout, Jonny Evans and Jadon Sancho were unable to convert their penalties.
Soon after the break, Bruno Fernandes, United's captain, beat goalkeeper Éderson with a spectacular long-range strike, giving United the impression that they had taken the lead. However, the shot was ruled offside.
Silva scored from close range after Oscar Bobb's cross was converted by substitute Garnacho, who broke past the City defense to send the match into a penalty shootout.
City is City, and their dominance of the first thirty minutes serves as a reminder of how seemingly unstoppable their machine can occasionally appear, even when it is manned by children. They are still incredibly talented despite being without eight regular first-team players—nine if you include the injured Jack Grealish.
But this was more about United in terms of season-long hints. Even though they are still far behind City, there may have been some positive indications. They persevered through a very challenging opening thirty minutes, and several of their passes—involving Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Mason Mount—were quite good. They may have had a half-time advantage if Diallo had been ready to shoot with his right foot, but even from six yards out, he chose to square it. A center-forward may have anticipated the pass, but Mount was scarcely to blame if he was taken aback by it.
Marcus Rashford, on the other hand, presented a performance that was both giving and taking. He had fantastic movement, a crisp appearance, and provided a release when United broke, but he also missed two really good opportunities. He struck a post with his second attempt, which may have been a little unfortunate; nonetheless, his first shot was a jittery jab from a player who was still trying to recall where he had misplaced his form.
The absence of the United doughnut, which created a midfield void last season and meant that most of the season was spent with Kobbie Mainoo doing shuttles while Casemiro seemed worn out next to him, was possibly the most significant development for the next campaign. Despite the early setbacks, United managed to maintain its tiny size.
Marcus Rashford lost Manchester United's Community Shield match to Manchester City, but Erik ten Hag believes he can bounce back and become his best. After late scores from Alejandro Garnacho and Bernardo Silva in regular time, United was left to lament their wasted opportunities as City prevailed on penalties.
Under minimal pressure from opponents, the England striker missed two close-range opportunities to give United the lead. Due to his general lackluster play, Rashford only managed seven goals in 33 Premier League games the previous season and was left off of England's Euro 2024 roster.
Ten Hag said, "No, I think he was several times in very good positions, and I am very pleased he is getting in those positions," in response to the question of whether he thought Rashford lacked confidence. He will score goals if he doesn't give up and keeps performing such actions. He has the necessary experience to handle this. The goals will come after he scores one.
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