Man City Edges Out Man United in Community Shield

Manchester United's start to the new season ended in disappointment as they narrowly lost to Manchester City in the Community Shield, after a tense penalty shootout at Wembley. Nearly three months after their triumphant FA Cup victory against Manchester City, where they secured a 2-1 win, Ten Hag's side seemed poised to repeat the feat. However, just one minute before the final whistle, United conceded a goal that led to a penalty shootout, where they ultimately fell short.

Rocky preseason and injury woes

United's preseason in the United States had already hinted at potential difficulties. New signing Leny Yoro suffered a fractured metatarsal, and striker Rasmus Højlund was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Despite these setbacks, there was a glimmer of hope just before kickoff at Wembley when Manchester United reached an agreement with Bayern Munich for the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt. The transfer of Noussair Mazraoui, contingent on Aaron Wan-Bissaka's departure, also appears imminent, which will be a much-needed boost to United’s defense.

Defensive challenges and new additions

The acquisition of former Ajax players, including De Ligt and potentially Mazraoui, cannot come soon enough for United. Once again, United started the match with a compromised defense, an all-too-familiar scenario from last season. De Ligt is seen as a crucial addition to the center of defense, while Mazraoui would bolster the full-back positions. Earlier in the summer, United also added Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, aiming to give Ten Hag more attacking options.

However, the 23-year-old forward did not make his debut in this match. Having only recently joined the team after participating in the European Championship with the Dutch national team, Zirkzee remained on the bench for the full ninety minutes. On paper, the Red Devils appeared too fragile to mount a significant challenge against City, but after a difficult opening half-hour, they proved they could indeed be dangerous.

New faces in the coaching staff

The Community Shield also provided Manchester United fans with an opportunity to get acquainted with the refreshed coaching staff and observe the team's hierarchy. While assistant coach René Hake and goalkeeper coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar remained in the dugout, Ruud van Nistelrooy and the Swedish Andreas Georges were frequently seen along the sidelines. The duo appeared to act as Ten Hag’s primary assistants, visibly involved in the match's tactical aspects.

Pressure mounts despite improved performance

For Ten Hag, who had spent weeks in uncertainty about his future at Old Trafford following the FA Cup victory, a strong performance on the pitch was essential. Although he retained his position, the lackluster football from last season had to be addressed, and a repeat of their eighth-place finish in the Premier League was unacceptable. A heavy defeat to Manchester City just a week before the start of the league would have significantly increased the pressure.

Despite the defeat, Manchester United displayed a more fluid and flamboyant style of play, particularly in the second half. Alejandro Garnacho rewarded the team with a goal just before the end of regular time. Unfortunately, fortune was not on Ten Hag's side this time, as Bernardo Silva equalized in the final minute to force the game into penalties. United came up short in the shootout, suffering a loss, but one that showed promise for the season ahead.