Manchester United couldn’t repeat the heroics of the FA Cup win last season on the same pitch as they fell to Man City on penalties (6-7) after a 1-1 draw in regular time in the Community Shield final.
United grew into the game after withstanding their rivals’ fast start as Amad tiptoed around City’s defence to a fashion of a couple of chances.
Unfortunately, the clinical forward was missing to dispatch them as the teams went in level at 0-0 at half time.
The second half was much better as United played some beautiful football but their finishing let them down again, until Alejandro Garnacho put things right with a clinical finish after cutting inside to put United in the lead.
Bernardo Silva scored in the 88th minute to send the game to penalties where United lost after Jonny Evans and Jadon Sancho missed their efforts.
Here’s how the players rated-
Andre Onana – 6
Made good on his promise of taking more risks this season by trying to play from the back. Wasn’t troubled much by City and was OK in the buildup, slightly erratic with kicking. Showed personality and confidence in the shootout but to no avail.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Had the thankless job of defending against Jeremy Doku who had his number on a couple of occasions. Starting getting tight to him afterwards and improved.
Harry Maguire – 6
Looked winded after a collision with Erling Haaland but fared decently against City’s attackers. Some smart interceptions in the box repelled the danger.
Jonny Evans – 4.5
It was said when he signed his extension that if he is as important this season as he was the last, something will have gone seriously wrong. Didn’t inspire much confidence in possession and that continued when he skied his penalty in the shootout.
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Started as the left-back but played an inverted role in midfield rather than Luke Shaw’s overlapping style. Was a key part of the buildup but City fashioned their best chance after latching onto his errant pass.
Casemiro – 6.5
It’s hard to judge a defensive midfielder when his best moments come in attack and worst ones come in defence. Sliced through City with slick one-twos in attack but looked too eager to go down in tackles in defence, looking suspect. He’s just not a No. 6 anymore.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Grew into the game with the rest of the team. Nice touches in midfield and some press-resistant dribbling skills. Will have a target on his back this season.
Mason Mount – 6.5
Pressed tirelessly as he freely interchanged positions with Bruno Fernandes. Found himself at the tip of the attack when Amad squared it up but couldn’t reach it. Encouraging.
Amad – 8
Was on the fringes of the game but came alive with the team after withstanding City’s early assault. Had Gvardiol on skates with his dribbling and was at the centre of every threatening United attack. He has arrived.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Worked hard and Ruben Dias will be feeling the effect of taking his shot on his head for a while. Came alive in the second half and created some brilliant chances plus a breathtaking shot which was offside.
Marcus Rashford – 4.5
Had the ball on his favoured right foot in acres of space in the box but inexplicably shot wide while trying to curl it into the far post and then had an even worse miss in the second half after receiving a pass from Garnacho. United need the 2022/23 version to return.
Substitutes
Alejandro Garnacho – 8
Was used as a release outlet to get on the end of long passes from deep and fashioned a great chance for Rashford through that playbook. Scored to break the deadlock to give United a deserved lead.
Toby Collyer – 7
Was calm and confident in possession if not adventurous. Added necessary solidity as well. A nice start to his competitive senior career.
Scott McTominay – 5.5
He was taken out of the game fairly easily as he doesn’t get involved much in the buildup. Missed a golden chance to give the team a lead as kicked thin air with the goal in front of him off a corner.
Facundo Pellistri – 5
Came on to play as a right-back against Jeremy Doku, hardly an ideal situation. Doku was subbed off but Bernardo Silva came on soon after and scored after brushing the Uruguayan off on a cross.
Jadon Sancho – 5
Came on late when City were in the ascendancy so didn’t get much time on the ball. Missed his penalty in the shootout.
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