United View: United set for Community Shield clash with City

Manchester United will once again take on Manchester City at Wembley this Saturday, 78 days since the two last met in the FA Cup Final.

The Reds will look to usher in their first full season under INEOS’ control with a trophy, meanwhile, the Blues will be hoping for revenge after falling short last time out.

This will be United’s first appearance in the Community Shield since 2016, when goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jesse Lingard saw the Reds lift their 21st Community Shield – more than any club. Whereas City only have six and hasn’t won the Shield since 2019.

Even though it may not be the most crucial of matches, this will be a good preparation for Erik ten Hag’s side and a good indication of how they will shape up for the beginning of the Premier League season. And as the final members of the squad return to training this week, United could be at full strength.

The Reds have had mixed results on tour, losing 2-1 to Arsenal, before beating Spanish side Real Betis 3-2 and suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in Columbia. Injuries have been a running theme during the Red’s time in the US, with Casemiro and Rhys Bennett finishing the match against Liverpool in defence.

New signing and United’s new number eleven, Joshua Zirkzee could likely make his debut on Saturday, after returning from his break to meet up with the rest of the squad at Carrington. However, Leny Yoro will not be available following an injury picked up against Arsenal.

Yoro is set to miss three months after undergoing surgery on his foot, prompting United to make a joint bid to Bayern Munich for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. The German club has rejected the offer but talks remain ongoing.

Elsewhere, the Reds have switched their attention away from PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte after refusing to meet the French champions’ asking price worth over £50million. This is a result of the new leadership only willing to pay what they deem to be a fair price for a player and not drag out negotiations for longer than necessary.

It seems unrealistic that PSG will receive their valuation for Ugarte, especially after just signing Portuguese international Joao Neves for £50million from Benfica, who plays in the same position as Ugarte. Right now, there is no indication that the Reds will make another approach for the Uruguayan, but another approach is still possible.

This new cost-effective approach has led United to search for more reasonably priced midfield options and Burnley midfielder Sander Berge has emerged as a surprise target. The Norwegian made 37 appearances last season for the Clarets as they were relegated under manager Vincent Kompany.

Whether a deal materialises is unforeseen, but it shows the club has other options. Berge would also cost significantly less than Ugarte with United still needing to stick to a budget this summer.

Player sales would help improve the Reds’ ability to spend, with Fulham looking to sign Scott McTominay for £20million, however, United are holding out for £25million. The Scottish international scored 7 goals in 32 Premier League games last season.

The late arrivals of Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada undoubtedly halted many of United’s summer plans but with the regular season less than two weeks away it looks as though the Reds will have to begin their campaign without being completely settled on their squad.

The Community Shield against Manchester City will be telling into how much work still needs to be done before United host Fulham at Old Trafford for the opening match of the 2024/35 Premier League season.