£35m transfer hole, absent stars – How Man United may line up in Community Shield vs Man City

With less than two weeks to go, anticipation is building as Manchester United prepares to face Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley. This annual fixture marks the start of the new season and serves as a rematch of the FA Cup final where United triumphed over their city rivals with a 2-1 victory in May.

Following their Premier League win, City will meet FA Cup winners United in this traditional showdown, and Erik ten Hag aims to add another trophy to the club’s collection. United’s last triumph in the Community Shield was in 2016 when Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s late goal secured a 2-1 win over Leicester City.

Despite the short time since the FA Cup final, the United lineup at Wembley could see significant changes. One position that seems secure is the goalkeeper, with Andre Onana expected to maintain his status as first-choice for the season.In defense, alterations are likely. Diogo Dalot, who started the FA Cup final, may not feature due to his involvement in Euro 2024, potentially giving Aaron Wan-Bissaka an opportunity, provided he remains at the club amidst interest from West Ham. The central defense could see a shake-up, with Raphael Varane no longer at the club after his contract expired, and Lisandro Martinez still on holiday after Argentina’s Copa America win. This situation might lead to a pairing of new £52 million signing Leny Yoro with either Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, or Harry Maguire.

The left-back position remains a concern due to injuries and fitness issues plaguing Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw last season. Although Shaw played for England in Euro 2024, he has not yet returned for pre-season training, and Malacia also appears unlikely to be fit for the Community Shield. This leaves Ten Hag with limited options, possibly resorting to using Lindelof at left-back or promoting an academy player. Alternatively, United could make a new signing, with Ferdi Kadioglu being a rumored target, having impressed for Fenerbahce and Turkey. Sam Murray, who started in recent pre-season friendlies against Rosenborg and Rangers, is another option.

Midfield remains an area where United might need reinforcements. The availability of Kobbie Mainoo, following the Euros, is uncertain. If Mainoo is fit, he would likely be one of the defensive midfielders; otherwise, Ten Hag may opt for a combination of Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, or Casemiro. There are also links to Manuel Ugarte, who could fill a critical gap in midfield, adding both quality and stamina.

In an attacking midfield role, Bruno Fernandes’ participation is uncertain as he has yet to return from Euro 2024. Should he be unavailable, Mason Mount might get another chance to impress, having played there in the recent 2-0 win over Rangers. On the wings, Jadon Sancho and Amad are potential starters, with Alejandro Garnacho not yet back for pre-season and Antony possibly starting on the bench. Marcus Rashford will also be pushing for a starting spot if deemed fit enough to play.

This Community Shield match promises to be an intriguing encounter, offering a glimpse of the squads and strategies ahead of the new season.The upcoming Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City is indeed highly anticipated, especially following United’s FA Cup victory over City. This game will serve as a curtain-raiser for the new season, with both teams eager to set the tone.

For Manchester United, there are expected to be several changes from the squad that played in the FA Cup final. **Andre Onana** is set to be the starting goalkeeper, continuing his role as the team’s first choice. In defense, **Aaron Wan-Bissaka** may start at right-back, especially if **Diogo Dalot** is unavailable due to his participation in Euro 2024. With **Raphael Varane** gone and **Lisandro Martinez** still on holiday, new signing **Leny Yoro** could make his debut in central defense, potentially alongside **Victor Lindelof**, **Harry Maguire**, or **Jonny Evans**.

The left-back position is particularly uncertain, given the fitness issues surrounding **Luke Shaw** and **Tyrell Malacia**. Options include using **Victor Lindelof** as an emergency left-back or giving an academy player like **Sam Murray** a chance. There are also rumors of United targeting **Ferdi Kadioglu** from Fenerbahce as a potential solution.

In midfield, the availability of **Kobbie Mainoo** remains in question following his involvement in Euro 2024. If he is fit, he could partner with **Christian Eriksen**, **Scott McTominay**, or **Casemiro**. Additionally, the club has been linked with **Manuel Ugarte**, who could bolster the midfield.

For the attacking midfield role, there are doubts about **Bruno Fernandes**’s availability due to his post-Euro 2024 break. This could provide an opportunity for **Mason Mount** to shine. On the wings, **Jadon Sancho** and **Amad** might start, with **Alejandro Garnacho** and **Antony** possibly featuring from the bench. **Marcus Rashford** is also a key player who will be vying for a starting spot.

This match will not only be a showcase of the teams’ current strengths and weaknesses but also a preview of how they might shape up for the upcoming season. United’s lineup could feature several new faces, and it will be interesting to see how they perform against their city rivals.