Manchester United Prepares for Community Shield Clash Against Manchester City

As Manchester United gears up for the Community Shield, they face a familiar opponent in Manchester City, just two and a half months after their FA Cup final victory. The match, set to take place at Wembley Stadium, presents an opportunity for United to secure minor silverware, although opinions vary on the significance of the encounter. With key players Yoro and Hojlund doubtful, manager Erik Ten Hag may need to adjust his strategy, relying on available squad members to maintain competitiveness. The tactical approach for the match is under discussion among United's writers, with suggestions to employ a 4-2-2-2 formation similar to that used in the FA Cup final. This system emphasizes compactness in midfield while exploiting space behind City's defense. However, there are concerns about overexposing younger players like the 17-year-old, who has shown promise during pre-season. Some analysts propose a shift to a 4-2-4 formation, which could better utilize the attacking talents of Marcus Rashford and Garnacho. The selection of the starting XI is crucial as United prepares for the upcoming Premier League season. While younger players like Garnacho and Zirkzee may see minutes in the Community Shield, the need for experience is underscored, especially with the Premier League opener approaching. Ten Hag's focus will be on establishing a balanced team, with hopes that key players like Maguire and Shaw can contribute effectively as the season unfolds.