Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 1-1 (7-6 Pens) Manchester United (FA Community Shield)

Manuel Akanji and Bernardo Silva were the heroes for Manchester City, who came from behind to win the FA Community Shield against Manchester United in a penalty shootout.

Bernardo Silva cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho’s goal to take the FA Community Shield to a penalty shoot-out, as Pep Guardiola and his squad were able to get their revenge over Manchester United, who won the FA Cup from the Sky Blues in their last meeting.

Manuel Akanji scored the winning the penalty at Wembley Stadium, as Manchester City won the trophy for the first time since 2019.

Manchester City were the better side throughout the first-half despite Guardiola electing to go with four youth players in the starting line-up. Manchester United held onto the majority of the possession early on, yet were unable to create any real chances.

The Sky Blues were eventually able to grab hold of the ball and began to find the holes in their rivals defence.

Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb began to take control after the first 15 minutes, the young wingers began to beat their markers with ease, but were unable to create any shots on target, as the best chance of the half came in the 24th minute when James McAtee’s shot from close range beat Andre Onana but hit the post.

Manchester United started to respond late in the first-half, Ten Hag’s side began to play through Manchester City’s defence on a few occasions but their best opportunity was squandered by Marcus Rashford, who’s shot attempt went well wide.

The first-half ended 0-0 with neither side able to take full control of the match.

Manchester United appeared to have broken through within the first 10 minutes of the second-half when Bruno Fernandes scored an excellent goal from outside the box. But before the Portuguese international could even begin celebrate, the offside flag was raised.

Savinho made his debut in the 63rd minute, coming on for Doku.

After threatening for the better part of 15 minutes, Manchester United finally took advantage of their chances in the 82nd minute when Garnacho beat Ederson with a well-taken near post finish. It was a goal that had been coming for some time, as the reigning FA Cup champions had continued to find space in behind City’s defence for the entirety of the first half.

After not threatening for most of the second-half Manchester City seemingly grabbed the equaliser out of nowhere with a Bernardo Silva header in the 89th minute. It was set-up by Oscar Bobb, who created a few yards of space with a lovely turn and lofted a perfect ball to the far post.

With the scored tied at 1-1, the winner would be determined by penalties.

It was a rough start for Manchester City in the penalty shoot-out. Bernardo went first and his poor effort was easily saved by Onana.

However, it would be the only Manchester City miss. Ederson saved Jadon Sancho’s effort just a few minutes later and Johnny Evans skied his effort over the bar. Setting up Akanji to become the hero.

Here are our player ratings from Manchester City’s Community Shield win against Manchester United.

Player Ratings

Ederson – 6.5

Over hit a few passes early but other than that was decent throughout. Wasn’t at fault for the goal and had a vital save in the penalty.

Rico Lewis – 7.5

Held his own for the most part against Rashford and Sancho, and was tidy on the ball as always.

Manuel Akanji – 7.5

Scored the decisive penalty, excellent distribution and just so composed on the ball. Amazing performance despite a lack of pre-season minutes.

Ruben Dias -7

Just like Akanji, Dias looked right at home despite only a few training sessions so far.

Josko Gvardiol – 6.5

Good on the ball, per usual. However, it felt as though Manchester United were easily able to target the space behind in for the entire second-half and was out of position for Garnacho’s goal.

Mateo Kovacic – 7.5

Misplayed a few passes in the opening minutes but settled into his own later. Solid performance to kick off what will likely be a vital opening few moments.

James McAtee – 7

Looked solid in his first start for City. Could’ve been an unforgettable moment if his shot went inn

Nico O’Reilly – 6.5

Neither a great nor terrible debut for the midfielder. The 19-year-old looked tidy on the ball early on, but began to fade as the match progressed.

Erling Haaland – 6

Had little service to work with, and was decent when on ball. Not a bad performance.

Oscar Bobb – 8 (MOTM)

Was the best player on the pitch yet again. Is entering the season in fine form full of confidence.

Jeremy Doku -7.5

Was an absolute menace on the left wing. Potentially could’ve had an assist if Nico O’Reilly attacked his cross in the first half.

Substitutes:

Matheus Nunes – 5.5

Looked threatening a few times, but seemed consistently out off position when United attacked on the counter.

Savinho – 7

Solid debut performance, looks threatening when on the ball.

Bernardo – 7

Was on the pitch for less than 10 minutes but scored the crucial goal to force it to penalties.

Kevin De Bruyne: N/A

Nathan Ake: N/A