Manchester City: 1 (Bernardo Silva 89′)
Manchester United 1: (Alejandro Garnacho 82′) Manchester City win 7-6 on penalties.
Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City took out the 2024 FA Community Shield after beating Manchester United 7-6 on penalties at Wembley. The game finished 1-1 all after 90 entertaining minutes and Pep Guardiola’s side would emerge victorious after a penalty shootout. Jack Grealish missed today’s game due to injury which is a story to watch for this week as Manchester City prepare for the upcoming Premier League season.
The first half saw Manchester City dominate the opening half-hour of the game. City’s best chances fell to Oscar Bobb and James McAtee. Bobb blazed over after some neat footwork. McAtee then hit the bar moments later after some fine City pressing forced Manchester United into a mistake playing out from the back. McAtee was unlucky to see his effort curl into the post.
United came into it after City’s early dominance and had two good chances of their own. Some fine play from Amad Diallo saw the Ivorian burst through City’s defence. But his cutback evaded Mason Mount and the score remained goalless. Marcus Rashford then fired wide after some fine Manchester United interplay minutes later. At half-time, the score was nil-all, with both teams having their moments in the first half.
The second half was an entertaining affair as both teams pressed on to get one over their local rivals. United were a constant threat on the counter and Pep Guardiola’s side tried to crack open a stubborn United rearguard through their possession play. Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring in the 82nd minute with some individual brilliance to open the scoring. Bernardo Silva equalised for City in the 89th minute after some sublime play from Oscar Bobb to set the scene for a grandstand finish. The game would head to penalties after the score was 1-all after 90 minutes.
In the end, Manchester City would prevail after Manuel Akanji slotted home the decisive penalty to hand City the 2024 FA Community Shield.
Here are the City player ratings as Pep Guardiola’s side kicked off their 24/25 season in style with a derby win.
City player ratings
Ederson-7/10: He gets a seven after his well-taken penalty in the shootout and his save during it.
Rico Lewis-6.5/10: Showed at times how far he’s come as a player. Though he was also caught out defensively at times.
Manuel Akanji-7/10: Calm at the back and looks set for another big season.
Ruben Dias-7/10: The captain’s armband suits him, and he showed it today.
Josko Gvardiol-6/10: Was good in possession but had a hard time defensively at times. The Croatian is building into his season so his performance is no real cause for concern.
Mateo Kovacic-6.5/10: Cruised through the game as an experienced player would. He looks set for a big 24/25 season.
Nico O’Reilly-6.5/10: Showed some glimpses of quality, especially in the first half before being substituted. A promising senior debut from O’Reilly.
James McAtee-6.5/10: Showed flashes at times but looks ready to be a contributor for Manchester City this season. Unlucky to see his first-half effort hit the post.
Oscar Bobb-7.5/10: Continued his fine pre-season form at Wembley. Set up Bernardo’s late equaliser with a perfect assist and was City’s most dangerous attacking player throughout.
Jeremy Doku-6.5/10: Had some flashes of brilliance at times and was frustrating at others. Showed enough to show he’s improved from his debut season.
Erling Haaland-4/10: Haaland was barely sighted through 90 minutes but made Andre Onana look silly with his penalty in the shootout. His performance was that of a player who is building into the new season which begins next weekend.
Substitutes
Matheus Nunes-4/10: His penalty in the shootout was brilliant. Nunes display after coming on as a substitute showed he has a lot to improve on. It’s on him to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans this season.
Savinho-7/10: The Brazilian international was lively after coming on. Manchester City have a player on their hands based off his cameo appearance today.
Bernardo Silva-7/10: Bernardo came on late and was determined to see his team win. He scored City’s equaliser but also missed City’s first penalty in the shootout. Bernardo looks primed for another big season.
Kevin De Bruyne-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
Nathan Ake-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.
