Manchester City win their 7th FA Community Shield: Key stats
Manchester United were beaten by Manchester City on penalties in the 2024 FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Alejandro Garnacho handed Manchester United the lead late on in the second half. However, Bernardo Silva's header at the far post (89') saw Manchester City equalize. For the fifth time in eight seasons, penalty kicks have decided the outcome of the Community Shield.
Story of the first half
It was a slow start to the match before Man City threatened. City's youngsters were impressive with Oscar Bobb showing his magic in right wing. City struck the post through James McAtee. Man United grew into the contest thereafter with Amad Diallo nearly scoring an wondergoal. His decision to play an extra pass cost United. Marcus Rashford then fired wide from a wonderful chance.
No shots on target in the first half
Both sides failed to produce a shot on goal in the first half. Man City had four attempts with United managing three. Pep Guardiola's men had more possession. Man City had 13 touches in the opposition box to Man United's seven.
Man United the better side in 2nd half
Man United started the second half in a better fashion and it was skipper Bruno Fernandes who bent in a sumptuous strike into the far corner in the 54th minute. However, the goal didn't stand as he was judged offside. Man City's new signing Savinho came on and made an impact. In the 75th minute, Rashford missed another chance. It was a bad miss.
Garnacho hands United the lead, Silva equalized for City
In the 82nd minute, Man United went ahead through Argentine forward Garnacho. He made a superb run inside Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji before sliding the ball beyond Ederson. It was a super solo strike from the substitute. Scott McTominay's run had opened the space for Garnacho to attack. However, Silva equalized seven minutes later with a brilliant header. Bobb provided the assist.
6-6 in the shootout
Fernandes made it 1-0 for the Red Devils. Silva's shot was saved. Diogo Dalot helped the Red Devils go 2-0 up. Kevin De Bruyne opened City's scoring. Garnacho scored next as Erling Haaland also buried his shot. Ederson denied Jadon Sancho as Savinho levelled matters. Casemiro and Ederson scored (4-4). McTominay and Matheus Nunes scored (5-5). Lisandro Martinez and Ruben Dias scored (6-6).
Jonny Evans misses as Man City seal the deal 7-6
Jonny Evans spooned his penalty over the bar next to hand Man City advantage. Manuel Akanji slammed home next and City won the shootout 7-6.
Man City win a 3rd FA Community Shield under Guardiola
Man United have won the FA Community Shield on 21 occasions (highest). United's last win was in 2016 under former boss Jose Mourinho. Notably, United won the FA Cup in 2015-16 under Louis van Gaal. Man City have won the Shield on seven occasions. Under Guardiola, the Premier League champions have won it thrice (2018, 2019 and 2024).
Contrasting records for Manchester United
As per Opta, Man United have now been runners-up 10 times in the Community Shield, more often than any other side in the competition's history. Garnacho (20y 40d) is the youngest player to score in the Community Shield since Cesc Fàbregas for Arsenal against Chelsea in 2005 (18y 95d). He is also United's youngest to do so since George Best in 1965 (19y 84d).
Key goal-scoring numbers for Silva and Garnacho
Silva has scored four times against Manchester United. As per Squawka, only against Watford (5) does he have more goals against during his career. Playing his 356th match, Silva netted his 68th goal for the club. Garnacho scored his 16th goal for Man United. He marked his 51st appearance.
Here are the match stats
Man City had nine attempts to Man United's eight. Guardiola's men scored from their only shot on target. Erik ten Hag's men had two shots on target. City had 29 touches in the opposition box to United's 19. City had 56% ball possession.
