A header from the aforementioned Portuguese international came just minutes after ’s grabbed the lead for United, sending the match to a penalty shoot-out. It was revenge for Pep Guardiola and his squad after the FA Cup Final at the end of last season. Ultimately, Manuel Akanji’s winning penalty – making personal amends following his heartbreaking exit from the European Championships in the summer – gave Manchester City their first FA Community Shield victory since 2019.
City were the better side throughout the first-half despite Pep Guardiola electing to go with four youth players in his starting line-up. United held onto the majority of the possession early on, yet were unable to create any real chances. It was a sluggish first half for both sides, who were unable to muster a single shot on target.
and were standouts however, beating their opposition defenders with ease on multiple occasions but unable to create a chance to threaten . However, Manchester United responded in the second half. A beautiful goal from was called back for offside within the first 10 minutes, but signalled Manchester United’s ability find space in the back line.
United finally took advantage of their chances in the 82nd minute when Alejandro Garnacho finished off a counter attack with a well-taken near-post finish. It was a deserved goal, as the reigning FA Cup champions consistently found space in behind City’s defence. But their lead did not last for long.
After barely threatening at .