Manchester City edged neighbors Manchester United at Wembley via penalties to win the 2024 Community Shield title.
Manchester City witnessed the first big chance of the encounter in the 23rd minute, with McAtee receiving a pass from Oscar Bobb following a misplaced pass by Lisandro Martinez and despite pressure from Manchester United’s defense, he managed to get a shot away.
However, Bobb’s effort struck the crossbar, with the Red Devils subsequently cleaning the mess.
From having a sluggish start, Manchester United grew into the game after the half-hour mark and they saw a big chance following a delightful intricate passing movement.
Amad Diallo broke into space, exchanging passes with Casemiro before finding himself in a glorious position with just Onana to beat.
Unfortunately, Diallo played a cutback intending to find Mason Mount but his pass went wayward with the opportunity going begging.
In the 36th minute, Manchester United cut open the defense of Manchester City following a lovely combination involving Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
The latter found Marcus Rashford in space but the Englishman couldn’t convert the chance, much to the disgust of many Manchester United supporters.
Breathtaking Game At Wembley Ended With Both Sides Even-steven At The Break
The opening half ended with the Red Devils playing out a nil-nil draw with Pep Guardiola’s side, with plenty to do in the second period.
Both teams had their moments in the second half, with Manchester United momentarily going ahead in the 54th minute.
Lisandro Martinez played a lovely ball to Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese taking a good hold of the ball.
Fernandes afterward checked back onto his right foot before smashing a brilliant shot into the top corner, with Ederson Moraes having no chance at saving it.
Sadly for Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have been in an offside position when he received the pass from Martinez and as such, the goal was disallowed.
Erik ten Hag made 4 changes in the 59th minute, with Scott McTominay coming on for Mason Mount. Amad Diallo was also withdrawn for Alejandro Garnacho, while Facundo Pellistri replaced Harry Maguire. Additionally, Toby Collyer was introduced for Kobbie Mainoo.
Three minutes after the hour mark, Savio replaced Jeremy Doku for Manchester City, while Matheus Nunes entered the fray for Nico O’Reilly.
Nunes was handed a yellow card in the 68th minute for a foul on McTominay, who was surging forward.
Fifteen minutes before the expiration of normal time, Marcus Rashford missed a big chance, with his attempt hitting the bar after he was put through on goal by Alejandro Garnacho.
Alejandro Garnacho’s Lovely Solo Effort Put Manchester United Ahead
In the 80th minute, Bernardo Silva replaced James McAtee, and 2 minutes later, Manchester United went in front following a solo run by Garnacho, with the Argentine directing a low effort into the bottom left corner of Manchester City’s goalpost.
Jadon Sancho was then brought on for Marcus Rashford before Bernardo Silva was booked for a cynical challenge on Alejandro Garnacho.
Manchester City Equalized Through Bernado Silva
One minute before the end of the regular time, Bernardo Silva on his 30th birthday got Manchester City level with a thumping header, after a dangerous cross was swung towards the 6-yard area by Oscar Bobb.
Pep Guardiola subsequently introduced Nathan Ake for Josko Gvardiol, while Kevin De Bruyne also came on for Oscar Bobb.
Neither of the teams got any further goal in the game and penalties were needed to settle the breathtaking clash.
Following the rigors of spot kicks, Manchester City came out victorious 7-6, with Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Savio, Ederson, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, and Manuel Akanji netting for the Cityzens, after Bernado Silva had missed their opening penalty.
Manchester United were looking on course for the win via shootout just like in normal time by Johnny Evans and Jadon Sancho failed to dispatch their penalties.
Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Alejandro Garnacho, Casemiro, Scott McTominay, and Lisandro Martinez all expertly tucked away their penalties but it proved inadequate for the Red Devils.
Congratulations to Manchester City, as they clinch the Community Shield title for the first time in their last 4 appearances.
