DEVASTATING NEWS: Coming Live From Old Trafford, Manchester United Community Shield Final In Jeopardy As Two Star Players Ruled Out And Won’t Be Available For Selection Against Manchester City. “This Is Not What I Planned But This Is Also Football You Prepare For The Worst. This Is Of A Big Disadvantage To Me And My Squad, I Don’t Know How It Will Be But We Would Give Our All”. Confirmed, Two Crucial United Stars Won’t Be Available For Selection Against Manchester City In The Community Shield Final.

Manchester United begins their season with a Community Shield match against Manchester City this afternoon at Wembley, marking a replay of the FA Cup final from May. Erik ten Hag aims for a third trophy in as many years as the new campaign starts, with necessary improvements expected across the team.
Both sides will miss key players, with United dealing with ongoing defensive injuries and some City stars still on holiday until next week.

Express Sport predicts how Ten Hag might set up his team for this final match before the Premier League begins next Friday.

**Goalkeeper – Onana**

Andre Onana, who played in nearly every game during his debut season for United and was active throughout pre-season, is expected to start. The Cameroon international has hinted at adopting a more adventurous style of play in his second year at Old Trafford, although he needs to enhance other aspects of his game.

**Defence – Dalot, Evans, Martinez, Amass**

Diogo Dalot, a late returnee to Carrington this summer, is set to remain as Ten Hag’s first-choice right-back, especially since Aaron Wan-Bissaka is doubtful for the City match. At left-back, Luke Shaw may not feature at Wembley, having only recently resumed pre-season training.

The 17-year-old Harry Amass might step in, potentially becoming United’s 251st academy graduate after getting substantial pre-season playtime. With Leny Yoro out for three months and Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof also uncertain, Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans are Ten Hag’s only fit center-backs.

**Midfield – Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes**

Casemiro is expected to stay at Old Trafford due to minimal interest and played all five of United’s pre-season matches. Kobbie Mainoo, who had a standout year, will be a key part of Ten Hag’s midfield and could start the season opener. If Mainoo is eased in, Mason Mount or Scott McTominay might play alongside Casemiro, supporting Bruno Fernandes. Despite not participating in pre-season due to Euro 2024, Fernandes is anticipated to be a reliable presence throughout the season.
Attack – Amad, Rashford, Zirkzee**

Ten Hag faces a dilemma over who will start on the right wing among Amad, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Facundo Pellistri. Amad stood out in pre-season and is expected to have a strong season. Marcus Rashford is likely to start on the left after an influential pre-season, with Ten Hag confident in his improved performance. With Rasmus Hojlund out for six weeks with a hamstring injury, new signing Joshua Zirkzee is set to make his debut for United.
Manchester United’s lineup for the Community Shield against Manchester City is set to be a mix of experienced players and rising talents, considering the injuries and absences within the squad. Erik ten Hag, aiming for a third trophy in as many years, will likely field a team that reflects both readiness for the upcoming Premier League season and adaptation to current challenges.

### Predicted Starting XI:

**Goalkeeper: Andre Onana**
Onana, who had a solid debut season and was prominent during pre-season, will start as the goalkeeper. His evolving style of play suggests a more proactive role, although there is room for improvement in his overall game.

**Defence: Diogo Dalot, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Amass**
– **Right-back:** Diogo Dalot, despite a late return to training, remains Ten Hag’s preferred option due to Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s doubtful fitness.
– **Centre-backs:** Jonny Evans, who provides experience, will likely partner Lisandro Martinez in central defense, given the injury issues affecting other defenders like Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and the newly signed Leny Yoro.
– **Left-back:** With Luke Shaw not fully match-fit, the promising 17-year-old Harry Amass might be given the nod, highlighting Ten Hag’s trust in youth development.

**Midfield: Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes**
– **Defensive Midfield:** Casemiro is set to anchor the midfield, having featured in all of United’s pre-season games and remaining a key player for the team.
– **Central Midfield:** Kobbie Mainoo, after an impressive breakthrough season, could start, providing energy and creativity. If Ten Hag opts for caution, Mason Mount or Scott McTominay could be considered.
– **Attacking Midfield:** Bruno Fernandes, despite a busy summer with Euro 2024, is expected to bring his usual leadership and attacking impetus to the midfield.

**Attack: Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee**
– **Right-wing:** Amad Diallo, who had a strong pre-season, may start on the right, although Ten Hag has multiple options, including Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Facundo Pellistri.
– **Left-wing:** Marcus Rashford, in top form during pre-season, will likely lead the attack from the left, where he can be most effective.
– **Striker:** With Rasmus Hojlund sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Joshua Zirkzee is poised to make his debut as the central striker, offering a fresh attacking option for United.

This lineup balances experience and youth, reflecting Ten Hag’s adaptability to squad conditions and his trust in the depth and potential within the team. The match against City serves as both a competitive opener and a vital test before the Premier League kicks off.