For the first time since 2016, Manchester United are featuring in the Community Shield, and it presents Erik ten Hag with a huge chance for silverware to start the campaign.
It will be a repeat of May’s FA Cup final, which as we all know very well, ended 2-1 for United thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
So the stakes will be high for this game, even though for many it is a glorified friendly game – bragging rights and silverware mean this year it is more meaningful than ever.
Injury concerns however will play a huge role in the game, as Ten Hag faces as many as six absentees – along with just three senior defenders being fit.
How Manchester United could line-up for the Community Shield
Manchester United have a chance to get one over on the city rivals this weekend with the first chance of silverware for the 2024/25 season.
Because of this, we expect that Ten Hag will go with a strong line-up and apart from the defence, he is spoilt for choice here. So here is our first predicted XI of the season.
Andre Onana
Andre Onana had a worrying pre-season and conceded plenty of goals which has left Paul Scholes worried. But we expect a display similar to what we saw on our last trip to Wembley from the Cameroonian.
Diogo Dalot
Next up, returning to the team after his unsuccessful Euro 2024 campaign is Diogo Dalot. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a doubt and therefore the Portuguese ace should easily waltz back into the line-up.
Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans starting the 2024 Community Shield for United is something few would have expected, but due to injuries, there is little other choice than the experienced Northern Irishman.
Lisandro Martinez
Alongside Evans, Ten Hag will be thrilled to have Lisandro Martinez back. He is likely to feature from the start due to injuries, fresh off his Copa America triumph.
Harry Amass
At left-back, Luke Shaw looks set to miss out with Ten Hag saying he will have to wait and see. Therefore, it seems nailed on that 17-year-old Harry Amass starts again after an impressive pre-season.
Casemiro
Casemiro has had a poor pre-season, but United are yet to strengthen in midfield which means he will likely start here where we hope he can pull out a vintage performance.
Kobbie Mainoo
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