Manchester City claimed their first Community Shield title since 2019, as Manuel Akanji converted the winning penalty in a dramatic shootout against their rivals, Manchester United.
The match kicked off slowly, culminating in Alejandro Garnacho breaking the deadlock in the 82nd minute with a brilliant strike. However, Bernardo Silva responded just a minute later, scoring to equalize and send the match into penalties at Wembley Stadium.
During the first set of penalties, both Bernardo Silva and Jadon Sancho failed to convert their kicks, yet Ederson managed to score for Manchester City. The shootout progressed into sudden death, where Jonny Evans missed for United, sending his shot over the bar. Akanji stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the net, securing the victory for Pep Guardiola’s team.
This victory marked Manchester City’s seventh Community Shield triumph, following their previous wins in 1937, 1968, 1972, 2012, 2018, and 2019.
Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, expressed disappointment after the match, stating it was a tough loss to absorb, though he acknowledged the performance had its positives. Having recently won the FA Cup, United will now turn their focus to their Premier League opener against Fulham.
In the aftermath of the match, Guardiola praised Akanji’s composure under pressure and reflected on the significance of starting the season with a title. Despite selling Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, Guardiola remains confident in the strength of his squad.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is actively pursuing transfer targets, with reports indicating they have agreed to a fee with Bayern Munich for defender Matthijs de Ligt, potentially bolstering their defensive options for the upcoming season.
City’s next match is against Chelsea in the Premier League, while United will seek redemption in their opener against Fulham on Friday.