Manchester City secured a dramatic 7-6 victory over Manchester United in a penalty shoot-out for the Community Shield on Saturday, following a 1-1 draw at Wembley.
The match came to life in the last 10 minutes when Alejandro Garnacho scored to give United the lead, only for Bernardo Silva to equalize in the 89th minute. In the ensuing penalty shoot-out, City prevailed as Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans missed their penalties for United.
Despite winning the Premier League for a record four consecutive seasons, this is the first time City has triumphed in the season opener during this streak, having lost to Leicester, Liverpool, and Arsenal in the previous three years.
City was notably impacted by the absence of several key players, who were late returning to pre-season due to their participation in Euro 2024 and Copa America. The England trio of Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden, along with Spain’s Rodri, are yet to resume training.
In contrast, United’s Erik ten Hag showed his determination to secure more trophies by immediately reintegrating teenager Kobbie Mainoo, who impressed with England in Germany. Despite resting Kevin De Bruyne and Silva, City started strongly, with Jeremy Doku causing significant problems down the left flank.
James McAtee, who was on loan at Sheffield United last season, almost made an impact with a curling shot that hit the post in the first half. With Julian Alvarez expected to join Atletico Madrid, McAtee might see more opportunities this season.
Manchester United, despite being out-possessed, created more chances. Amad Diallo should have taken a shot himself instead of passing to Bruno Fernandes as halftime neared. Fernandes, playing in an unusual center-forward role due to injuries and fitness issues, had a goal ruled out for offside.
Garnacho added pace to United’s attack after coming on in the final half-hour. He set up Marcus Rashford, who hit the post with only Ederson to beat. Garnacho appeared to have won the game in the 82nd minute with a low shot into the corner, but City equalized in the dying moments through a header from Silva off an Oscar Bobb cross.
In the shoot-out, Silva missed first but Sancho’s penalty was saved by Ederson, who then scored himself to keep City in the contest. Evans missed his attempt, allowing Manuel Akanji to redeem himself after a previous missed penalty in a Euro 2024 quarter-final by scoring the decisive penalty for City.