The winners of the Premier League for a fourth successive season take on the FA Cup victors of last season in the traditional curtain-raiser to the new campaign.
Manchester City take on their first competitive fixture of the new season fresh off the back of a four-game pre-season tour of the United States’ east coast, enduring three defeats including one via a penalty shoot-out, and a dominant victory over Chelsea.
Most importantly for Pep Guardiola and his backroom staff, City emerged without any major injury concerns to mainstay first-team players, despite minor niggles to Erling Haaland and Ederson, both of whom have returned to training as normal in England.
The meeting between the two Manchester rivals comes just a matter of weeks after their final competitive fixture of last campaign, meeting in the FA Cup final when Erik ten Hag’s men ending their season on a high with a 2-1 win over City.
It was a result deemed by many as the revenge outcome following Manchester City’s own 2-1 win in the 2022/23 FA Cup final, in a Wembley outing that set up their ultimate Treble success in Istanbul via their UEFA Champions League final win.
Saturday afternoon’s contest could present the first opportunity for Manchester City fans to get a glimpse of new summer signing Savinho, who has been training with Pep Guardiola’s side for the first time throughout this week after his £33.6 million move from Troyes.
Ahead of kick-off under the famous Wembley arch this weekend, here is everything you need to know for the 2024 FA Community Shield between Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, and Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United!
Match Details
Manchester City take on Manchester United at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 10th August, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 BST.
Team News
Pep Guardiola has a largely fully-fit Manchester City squad at this disposal this weekend, although the match fitness levels of his recently-returning first team stars remains somewhat unknown having only returned to City Football Academy duties on Tuesday.
Despite respective “niggles” during pre-season, both Erling Haaland and Ederson have returned to training this week and appear ready to start, whilst the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Dias are continuing to build fitness.
Manchester City’s European Championship final contingent of John Stones, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, and Rodri are all set to miss this one, with the Premier League champions granting them the freedom to return whenever they are ready after their extended season.
Julian Alvarez will miss this one too, taking on a three-week minimum holiday whilst also finalising a move to Atletico Madrid in a €95 million transfer this summer.
As for Manchester United, Harry Maguire is subject to a fitness assessment before this weekend’s fixture, while Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are also doubts. Luke Shaw will also have his fitness evaluated.
Elsewhere, Lisandro Martinez could be an option, but Erik ten Hag has not confirmed return dates for Manchester United’s other players who were late arrivals over the summer due to their international commitments.
New summer signing Leny Yoro had surgery on his foot earlier this week, while Rasmus Hojlund will not be involved due to the injury. Tyrell Malacia is also said to be ‘some way off featuring’.
However, in one positive piece of news for Manchester United fans, additional summer signing Joshua Zirkzee will hope to make his debut for the Old Trafford club.
Head To Head
Manchester City and Manchester United have faced off on a total of 192 occasions in their respective histories, with the former coming out on top in 61 meetings, drawing 53 times, and the Red Devils winning 78 matches.
The last time the two sides met came in the 2024 FA Cup final, when goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo ended Manchester City’s hopes of a domestic double, despite a late goal and surge from Jeremy Doku in the game.
Pep Guardiola and Erik ten Hag have faced off against each other in six meetings, with the Catalan coach winning four of those games, and the former Ajax coach claiming two victories in that time.
How To Watch
Saturday afternoon’s match against Manchester United will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on ITV1, while full global TV listings are available HERE.
City Xtra will also be providing live coverage of the match on all of our social media channels, with a live watchalong show presented by Jordan Rothwell available on YouTube.