Manchester United 1-1 Man City: Five things noticed, surprise tactic change spotted

Five things noticed as Manchester United suffered a penalty defeat after drawing 1-1 with Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.

Erik ten Hag elected to start Bruno Fernandes as striker as Manchester United took on Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in their final fixture before kicking off the Premier League season next Friday.

The fixture started with United wanting to retain deliberate possession in the opening minutes. They set up in a low block out of possession, with both Fernandes and Mason Mount front and centre.

Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United vs Man City (Community Shield)

Man City had the half-chances in the opening 15 minutes, and at the 24-minute mark, Lisandro Martínez played a loose pass that handed James McAtee a perfect chance, but much to United’s relief, his shot crashed against the post.

United responded with their own class chance after 30 minutes, with Amad Diallo and Casemiro combining brilliantly to send the winger beyond the defences, but his cut-back across the goal could not find Mount, who was not far enough forward. A great chance fell to Marcus Rashford minutes later, but his shot was off-target.

The second half started with Fernandes scoring a stunning goal from the edge of the area, but he was quickly and rightly ruled offside due to his initial run. The fixture started to tail off, with United making four substitutes – then, out of nowhere, Rashford had a perfect chance to take the lead, but he hit the post with 15 minutes to Play.

McTominay then missed a fantastic chance from a corner after Rashford headed down a corner. Alejandro Garnacho then took the ball on the right wing minutes later, cutting in on his weaker left foot and sliding the ball past Ederson to hand United a lead, although Bernardo Silva then headed in an equalising effort with just two minutes to play.

The 1-1 draw after 90 minutes meant the fixture went to penalties, which City emerged victorious 7-6 following a poor penalty from Jonny Evans and a great save from Ederson to deny Jadon Sancho.

#1 – Surprising lack of press

While United were very insistent on practising their pressing from the front across pre-season this was not evident at all during the opening minutes of the City fixture.

While this may be down to the fact that not all players were fully fit, meaning that less energy would be exerted, it could also signal that Ten Hag is looking to continue to adapt his game tactics depending on the opponent the side face.

Pressing from the front may be effective against some teams but a deficit against others, considering City’s technical efficiencies across their team. This changed slightly once the substitutes were made, likely due to the added fitness and energy they injected into the game.

#2 – It took 30 minutes, but United finally woke up

City completely dominated the first 30 minutes, but after this, United started to wake up. A lot of the ball was being played in United’s half, but out of nowhere, Amad’s brilliant chance for Mount showed what United were really about.

Keeping the ball on the floor as much as they could, United looked to play sharp and fast passes around City’s area, keeping the attack fluid. Rashford’s chance minutes later again showed this, but the winger could not divert his shot on target.

This pattern continued throughout the tie, and United created multiple fantastic chances, which should be taken as a positive regardless of the result.

#3 – Casemiro has something to offer

While many had completely written off Casemiro as a United player following the conclusion of 2023/24, it must be said that he has been positive throughout the pre-season. Against Man City, he seemed to look calm and composed, no doubt because United’s set-up meant he had less space to cover.

He was involved both in defence and attack, combing with Mainoo as a midfielder and Amad in attack on multiple occasions. Should United sign a new midfielder this summer, Casemior will certainly play fewer games – but in those games, it looks as if he will have something positive to offer.

#4 – Ruud has work to do

The big negative takeaway for United was their finishing. Rashford, McTominay, and Mount all had fantastic chances to open the scoring but failed to do so, which the coaches will highlight post-match.

It is ultimately a friendly tie, so the consequences are moot, but with the Premier League kicking off in six days, those players will need to improve under Ruud van Nistelrooy ahead of the Fulham clash.

#5 – No rest for the important

Erik ten Hag has clear favourites at United in terms of those he feels are essential for his United team. Despite not having played a single minute of pre-season, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, and Lisandro Martínez played all 90 minutes at Wembley Stadium.

They will all start against Fulham (provided there are no injuries), that is for sure, and it feels like Ten Hag has taken the decision to speed-run their recoveries.

Kobbie Mainoo also played just over 60 minutes, with the manager no doubt a little more wary of the 19-year-old considering his physique will still be developing – but no doubt, he will start on Friday at Old Trafford, too.

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