Bruno Fernandez and Kobbie Mainoo back in a must win match”, Predicted Man United XI vs Man city – as Ten Hag set to Unleash another dangerous squad to triumph over City again

In a rematch of last season’s FA Cup final, Manchester United will have another shot at besting Manchester City on August 10 when the two city rivals clash in the 2024 Community Shield final. The Red Devils’ thrilling 2-1 victory in their previous encounter not only added a record 13th FA Cup title to their name but also secured Erik ten Hag’s position as manager following a disappointing Premier League season.

Notably, this marks the first time since 1885 that the same two teams have met in consecutive FA Cup finals, an intriguing historical footnote for the upcoming match. While some may dismiss the Community Shield as a mere pre-season friendly, both Manchester sides will fiercely contest it, driven by the desire to claim bragging rights over their bitter rivals.

Given the way both teams have navigated their pre-season tours, speculation is rife about how the managers will set up their squads. The line-ups revealed an hour before kick-off will likely provide insights into their strategies for the forthcoming Premier League season. However, predicting the starting elevens is challenging, especially with Pep Guardiola’s unpredictable selections and Ten Hag’s adjustments due to injuries.

Manchester United faces significant injury challenges with Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and new £52 million signing Leny Yoro all sidelined. This situation complicates Ten Hag’s task but also simplifies his selection process to some extent. In defense, United is expected to adopt a traditional setup with Andre Onana as goalkeeper, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire in central defense, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Amass on the flanks, rewarded for their solid pre-season performances.

The midfield appears more stable, with no major injury concerns. Ten Hag will likely field a strong trio of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount. However, the absence of Kobbie Mainoo, recovering after England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, is a slight drawback.

In attack, Amad Diallo is almost certain to start on the right wing after contributing to goals in each of the three pre-season games, bolstering calls for him to have more playing time in the upcoming season. Joshua Zirkzee is expected to make his competitive debut due to the injuries to Hojlund and Rashford, while Jadon Sancho aims to reignite his career at Old Trafford.The upcoming Community Shield final on August 10 between Manchester United and Manchester City promises to be a captivating encounter, rekindling their rivalry following last season’s FA Cup final. Manchester United’s victory in that match not only added a 13th FA Cup to their trophy cabinet but also solidified Erik ten Hag’s position as manager despite a challenging Premier League campaign.

This clash is historically significant as it marks the first consecutive FA Cup final rematch since 1885, adding an extra layer of intrigue. While the Community Shield is often viewed as a pre-season fixture, the intense rivalry between these two clubs ensures a fiercely contested match.

Both managers, Pep Guardiola and Erik ten Hag, will look to use this match as a strategic preview for the upcoming Premier League season. Predicting the starting line-ups remains challenging due to Guardiola’s unpredictable tactics and Ten Hag’s adjustments necessitated by injuries.

Manchester United faces a spate of injuries, with key players like Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and new signing Leny Yoro all unavailable. This situation, while challenging, narrows Ten Hag’s selection choices. In defense, the likely setup includes Andre Onana as goalkeeper, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire as the central defensive pair, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Amass, who have impressed during pre-season, as full-backs.

The midfield trio of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount seems stable, although the absence of Kobbie Mainoo, who is recovering after England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, is a minor setback.

In attack, Amad Diallo is expected to start on the right wing following his impressive pre-season performances. Joshua Zirkzee, set to make his competitive debut, will likely lead the line due to the injuries to Hojlund and Rashford, while Jadon Sancho will aim to rejuvenate his career and make a significant impact.

As both teams vie for early-season bragging rights, this match will offer insights into their strategies and form heading into the new campaign.