The Abi Club concluded the previous official season in a mutual battle right at Wembley on May 25th, with the Red Devils proving to be superior to the FA Cup final with a score of 2-1.
The first half of the game did not see many goal-scoring opportunities. Manchester City’s Norwegian defender, Oskar Babs, made dangerous attacks, but the score remained 0-0 until halftime.
In the beginning of the second half, the United players seemed more convincing, with Bruno Fernandes putting the ball into the net in the 54th minute, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call.
Both teams‘ coaches made several player substitutions later in the game, changing the pace of the match. In the 82nd minute, United managed to score what seemed like the winning goal, with 20-year-old Alejandro Garnecho finding the back of the net, who had triumphed in the Copa America with the Argentine national team in the summer.
City utilized the remaining time perfectly, equalizing the score after Bob’s assist led to Bernardo Silva scoring against the opponents‘ goal.
As there is no extra time played in this tournament, the teams went straight to penalties after the end of regulation time. In the first round, Cameroonian Andre Onana saved Silva’s shot, but in the fourth round, City’s goalkeeper Ederson restored balance by saving Jason Sancho’s shot. The eighth round proved decisive, as the experienced Northern Irish defender missed his shot over the goal, while Swiss Manuel Akanji was precise from the penalty spot.
In the Premier League, Manchester United will host Fulham on August 16th, while Manchester City will visit Chelsea two days later.
Game Statistics:
- Ball Possession: Man. City 59% – Man. United 41%
- Total Shots: 88
- Shots on Target: 12
- Corner Kicks: 6
- Offsides: 2
- Fouls: 10
Previous Five FA Community Shield Finals:
- 2023: Arsenal 1-1; 4-1 on penalties Manchester City
- 2022: Liverpool 3-1 Manchester City
- 2021: Leicester 1-0 Manchester City
- 2020: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
- 2019: Manchester City 1-1; 5-4 on penalties Liverpool
FA Community Shield Trophy Winners:
- Manchester United: 21 titles
- Arsenal: 17 titles
- Liverpool: 16 titles
- Everton: 9 titles
- Tottenham Hotspur: 7 titles
- Manchester City: 7 titles
- English Professionals XI: 4 titles
- Wolverhampton Wanderers: 4 titles
- Chelsea: 4 titles
The FA Community Shield final was a thrilling match that showcased the talent and determination of both Manchester City and Manchester United. The intense battle on the field culminated in a penalty shootout, with City emerging victorious. The upcoming Premier League matches for both teams promise to be equally exciting, as they continue to compete for glory in the football world.