Player ratings as Cityzens seal Community Shield

Manchester City clinched the Community Shield after defeating rivals Manchester United in a tense penalty shoot-out.

Late substitute Alejandro Garnacho put the Red Devils ahead in normal time, before Bernardo Silva scored late on to bring both sides level. The game launched straight into penalties, where Pep Guardiola’s team triumphed.

City head into the 2024/25 campaign with silverware in their locker as they aim to make it five Premier League titles in a row.

How the game unfolded

United struggled to gain momentum in the opening minutes of the game, choosing to play it safe and pass back to Andre Onana between the sticks rather than advance forward. They seldom crossed the half-way line to attempt a shot in City’s half, allowing Pep Guardiola’s side to dominate in attack.

Rico Lewis danced through United’s defence with ease, opening up the pitch while creating chances. On the 20-minute mark he decided to ramp up his game, firing a cross towards Onana’s goal. Both the goalkeeper and Erling Haaland raced to take a touch, before the striker flicked the ball towards the net.

Haaland’s chance was soon cleared away by United’s defence, but another came seconds later, this time for Oscar Bobb. He sent his shot rocketing into the stands, while United psyched themselves up for a chance to attack.

It was Amad Diallo who first attempted a shot for United – sending a low effort just wide of the net.

Jeremy Doku tried his luck before the break, hoping to emulate his FA Cup final goal. He was unable to find the back of the net, and the scoreline remained goalless as the teams headed into the dugout.

As play resumed, all eyes were on the nervy United. Bruno Fernandes thought he had put his side ahead by curling a beautiful effort into the back of the net, but he instantly knew he had failed to beat the offside flag and a quick flag from the official kept the score at 0-0.

Approaching the hour mark, Erik ten Hag whipped out his tactics book and made some changes, opting for a back three in possession.

Marcus Rashford held his head in his hands as he fired a chance against the woodwork, but soon United fans roared as Alejandro Garnacho put them 1-0 up.

City raced to equalise, however, and Silva arrived off the bench in time to bring the sides level once again. The minutes dwindled down and the rival sides were forced to settle their differences in a penalty shoot-out, where Jonny Evans’ miss allowed Manuel Akanji to win the trophy.

Penalty shootout