Manchester United will play their first competitive game of the new season against rivals Manchester City in the FA Community Shield.
The Red Devils will face City at Wembley on Saturday 10 August in the traditional curtain-raiser of the new season, with the FA Cup winners facing the Premier League winners.
The importance of the Community Shield is debatable, but a trophy is a trophy and an opportunity to get one up on a local rival. United come off the back of a 3-0 thumping by Liverpool in what was their final pre-season game.
Goals from Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones, and Kostas Tsimikas resulted in the 3-0 scoreline. Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Erik Ten Hag said: “There were mixed feelings, I have seen positive bits, but the way we concede goals, we are, of course, not happy with it.”
He will be hoping for better against Pep Guardiola’s side who the Red Devils beat 2-1 in their last meeting which was during the FA Cup final.
Their latest clash will be available to watch on ITV1 and ITVX with kick-off coming at 3 pm GMT on Saturday 10 August.
United injuries and how they could effect the betting odds
Erik Ten Hag will have several decisions regarding his squad after injuries to new signing Leny Yoro, striker Rasmus Hojlund and defender Tyrell Malacia.
Centre-back Harry Maguire is also a doubt for Saturday’s game, but he is expected to be available for selection.
Amid Ten Hag’s injury issues, the bookmakers have made Manchester City heavy favorites for the trophy. Oddschecker has City at 11/18 to beat their rivals, United are backed at 17/4.
Manchester City are favorites as they have a fitter squad, and are the better side overall. Despite that, the Red Devils did win out during their last meeting so they can’t be written off.
We are predicting a 2-1 Manchester City win as a probable result on Saturday as the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne could prove too much for Erik Ten Hag’s defence.
Press the next page to see Manchester United’s predicted starting XI before kick-off at Wembley.
