In a repeat of last season’s FA Cup final, Manchester United will have a chance to make it two consecutive wins over Manchester Cityon August 10 when the two city rivals face off in the 2024 Community Shield final. The Red Devils dramatic 2-1 victory last time out not only saw them extend their record of most FA Cup titles with a 13th triumph, but it ultimately allowed Erik ten Hag to cling on to his job following a dismal Premier League campaign
And while his first opportunity at vindicating the Jim Ratcliffe-led hierarchy’s decision comes under the composed facade of what many circles claim to be a ‘glorified pre-season friendly’, neither side of Manchester will want to lose their bragging rights to their fiercest rivals, spurring on an otherwise overlooked fixture.
But such is the way either side have navigated their pre-season tours so far, the first question on the tip of everyone’s tongues is how both managers will set up their teams. Usually, the team news that surfaces around an hour before kick-off will give a good indication of how they intend to start the Premier Leaguecampaign. But with Pep Guardiola being infamously known for his roulette selection process, and Ten Hag being forced into a reshuffle following an injury crisis, working out how each starting eleven will look next week is a tall order
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