The 2024 FA Community Shield final at Wembley Stadium provided another memorable chapter in the storied Manchester rivalry. On 10 August 2024, Manchester City and Manchester United clashed for the first piece of silverware to begin the 2024-25 season. After a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes, the match was decided on penalties, with City winning 7-6 to lift their first Community Shield since 2019.

Match Summary & Key Events

  • The game was balanced for most of the 90 minutes, with few clear-cut chances in the early stages. United drew first blood in the 82nd minute thanks to a well-placed finish from Alejandro Garnacho, coming off the bench.
  • However, City countered late in normal time. In the 89th minute, Bernardo Silva rose at the back post to head in a cross from Oscar Bobb, equalizing in dramatic fashion and sending the game to penalties.
  • The penalty shootout was tense. United missed key kicks: Jonny Evans hit his over the bar, while City’s Manuel Akanji scored the decisive spot kick. City edged it 7-6 to claim the trophy.

Tactical Analysis

Manchester City vs Manchester United — Full Match Highlights

Formations & Team Setup

  • Manchester City lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Ederson in goal; full-backs and four defenders in front; a double pivot in midfield; and an attacking line with Oscar Bobb, Jérémy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne (or sub), and Erling Haaland up front.
  • Manchester United mirrored the formation with a 4-2-3-1 setup as well: Onana in goal, defenders Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Martinez; Casemiro and Mainoo in midfield; attacking midfielders like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount or Amad; Alejandro Garnacho among the substitutes initially.

Match Flow & Tactical Moments

  1. Early Phase & Midfield Battle
    The first hour was cagey. Both sides were cautious, probing for weaknesses. United tried to use forward runners and set plays; City sought control through passing and positional rotation. The midfield battle, involving Casemiro, Mainoo versus Kovacic and Bobb (later subs), was central to how much control each team could assert. City’s double pivot sought to shield the back line and feed the creative players; United depended heavily on chance-creation through Garnacho off the bench and Bruno’s creativity.

  2. United Take the Lead
    In the 82nd minute, Garnacho’s introduction paid off. United exploited a moment of transition: Bruno Fernandes delivered a pass into space, Garnacho cut in from the flank and finished sharply. United showed good tactical discipline in maintaining shape after that, trying to stretch City’s defense and stifle their attempts to counter.

  3. City’s Late Equaliser
    As United seemed set to cling on, City intensified their pressure. Oscar Bobb’s involvement was significant — he drifted into attacking positions on the flank and delivered the cross for Bernardo Silva’s dramatic header in minute 89. That goal underscored City's persistence and ability to exploit attacking spaces very late in matches. It also spoke to their depth and ability to keep quality players fresh.

  4. Penalty Shootout & Mental Strength
    The shootout tested nerves. United’s misses (notably Evans) contrasted with City’s calm execution. Manuel Akanji’s decisive penalty was not just about technique but composure under immense pressure. The role of Ederson (for City) making saves during penalties also mattered.

Player Performances & Impact

  • Oscar Bobb (City) — One of the standout performers. Though a younger/less established player, his movement and crossing ability were vital, especially for Bernardo Silva’s equaliser. He also contributed in combination play that gradually unlocked United’s defense.
  • Bernardo Silva — Elegant, patient, and opportunistic. His header in the 89th minute epitomised his qualities: awareness, movement, timing. He also handled the pressure of scoring in a tight, high-stakes moment.
  • Alejandro Garnacho (United) — A bright spark. Coming off the bench, he made a decisive impact with a well-taken goal that put United ahead. It showed both his maturity and ability to change games. Yet the inability to hold on is something for him and United to reflect on.
  • Manuel Akanji — In the shootout, his spot kick was the match-winner. Throughout the match, he defended solidly, offered composure at the back, and his physical presence helped in aerial duels.

Statistics & Insights

  • The match attendance reached 78,146 at Wembley.
  • City’s equaliser came from their first shot on target of the match.
  • United looked dangerous in spells, particularly after their goal, forcing City into moments of defensive discipline. City had more possession but were held at bay for a large portion of the match.
  • Penalty shootout sequence: Both teams missed critical penalties (notably United’s Evans, City’s Silva earlier), but overall City were more composed.

Significance & What It Means Moving Forward

  • This win marks City’s first Community Shield trophy since 2019, ending a patched streak where they either lost or didn’t win it since then.
  • For United, despite the loss, there were positives: Garnacho’s impact, some promising attacking phases, and resilience. But defensively, they have work to do, especially in holding leads against top opposition.
  • For Guardiola, this gives momentum into the Premier League season: a trophy, confidence, proof that City can perform under pressure and snatch results late. The belief in depth and substitutions paid off.
  • The Community Shield is often seen as a curtain-raiser rather than a major indicator, but psychologically, winning that match sends a signal to rivals: this City side intends to compete on all fronts.

Tactical Lessons & Areas for Improvement

  • Mental toughness: United learned again how costly it is to concede late and how important it is to maintain concentration until the final whistle.
  • Use of substitutes: City’s bench (Bobb, Silva) made a difference; United may need stronger squad depth in such tight contests.
  • Set pieces & aerial threats: Silva’s goal via header highlights how critical set and late crosses are. Teams must defend those better.
  • Penalty discipline: Big matches can come down to spot kicks; composure is crucial. United’s missed chances reveal where pressure can crack even experienced players.

Conclusion

The 2024 FA Community Shield match between Manchester City and Manchester United was more than a season-opener — it was a microcosm of what both sides aim for: intensity, quality, and honour. Although it ended in a draw over 90 minutes, City’s late equaliser and penalty shoot-out success embodied their resilience and desire for silverware. United showed flashes and promise, but ran out of steam in regular time. For City, the Shield is a statement: expectations remain high, momentum is there, and with proper motivation, this club looks ready to defend and dominate once again.