Before the Premier League commences next weekend, there is the small matter of the 2024 Community Shield, which will be contested by Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley.
No team has won the Charity Shield/Community Shield on more occasions than Man Utd as they have 21 victories to their name, with the last coming in 2016.
City have claimed the honour on six occasions.
Man City current form
Pre-season form doesn’t count for much, but Man City have still been poor for the most part.
They started their mini tour of the United States with a surprising 4-3 loss against Scottish champions Celtic, who were superb on the day. They followed that with defeats versus Milan and then Barcelona on penalties.
They secured their one and only pre-season victory last week as they beat Chelsea 4-2.
Man Utd current form
Man Utd’s pre-season form is slightly better – but only just.
They sent a team of kids out to defeat Rangers 2-0 in Edinburgh and then were defeated by Arsenal in the USA.
The Red Devils then overcame Real Betis 3-2 but were then humbled 3-0 by arch-rivals Liverpool in South Carolina.
There’s only one slight doubt for Man City and in concerns Ederson, who was absent for the win over Chelsea with an unspecified injury. It isn’t thought to be a serious one, but Stefan Ortega may start.
There’s also plenty of speculation that Ederson could leave City for the Saudi Pro League so that may be contributing to his absence also.
This summer, City have signed Savinho from Troyes.
As for United, they have major injury issues heading into the game. Start signing Leny Yoro has been ruled out for up to three months after breaking his metatarsal against Arsenal, while Rasmus Hojlund could miss six weeks of action after hurting his hamstring.
Tyrell Malacia has still not fully recovered from his serious knee injury suffered last season and is missing.
Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof have had minor issues recently but should be fine to play.
In the transfer window so far, United have signed Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee.
Community Shield Scoreline Prediction
Neither side have hit the ground running in pre-season and although that doesn’t count for much, this one could go to penalties.
Man City 1-1 Man Utd
For all of the analysis of the match as it happens live, check out our Preview and Live Update page for the game.
FAQs
What was the score the last time Man City played Man Utd? The last time Man City played Man Utd was in the FA Cup final at the end of last season when United won 2-1 to lift the famous trophy.
What time does the match kick-off? The game commences at 1500 GMT.
