In a season which many expect to be dominated by the Blue and Red of Manchester, it was Manchester United who came out on top in one of the most enthralling FA Community Sheild clashes of recent times, with United overhauling City's 2-0 advantage at half time to emerge victorious and run out 3-2 winners.
Manchester City have not been as fruitful as many had expected so far in this transfer window, with the no real sign of "jaw-dropping" transfers which Harry Redknapp suggested there would be an abundance of at the end of last season, with the exception of Sergio Aguero, though he played no part in this derby, glued to the bench by Mancini. Manchester United on the other hand have opened their cheque book, which many red devils fans had presumed had been forced shut by the Glazers. They spent over £50 million on aquisitions who all played at some point, namely Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David De Gea.
Overall, it was United's signings but also accademy products that makes them the side to beat this season, rather than City. Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverly did not at all out of depth in such a demanding fixture, with Welbeck looking all the more an England International and Cleverley assured when in control of the ball and regurlarly dispossessing the broad figure of Yaya Toure.
Ashley Young was a constant threat, and it was his expert delivery from a freekick that set United on the way for a comeback whilst Phil Jones came on in the second half and instantly showed an impeccable level of composure. David De Gea, the 20 year old signing from Atletico Madrid, showed an outstanding ability to distribute the ball, though will have to take the blame for City's second goal.
Man City went 2-0 up in the first half, the first a delightful free kick from David Silva was met by the head of Joleon Lescott for the first, leaving De Gea stranded. Lescott has not featured regurlarly for Man City since his move from Everton a few years back, however, he has recently been awarded the number 6 shirt, which could imply that could change this season. Theire second was one the giant Spaniard will not want to dwell on, as he was beaten by an Edin Dzeko pile driver from around 30 yards, a shot he should easily be palming away from goal, yet it evaded his finger tips.
The second half started in complete contrast into how the first half ended, with United fast out of the blocks in the hope of turning the fixture around - and they did. An Ashley Young free kick was cooly put away by the brilliant Chris Smalling, who was excellent on the right hand side. United's second and equaliser was a goal Barcelona would be proud of it. Truly sensational pass and move at its best before culminating in a Nani lob over Joe Hart, executed superbly. A mistake from City captain Vincent Kompany allowed Nani to race through and give United the win deep into stoppage time.
United look stronger than last season, however the gaping whole left in the central midfield after Scholes' retirement will need to be adressed, Sneijder of course being the favourite, but the Inter Milan playmaker is also thought to be on Manchester City's radar, a shock switch from red to blue would really set the cat amongst the pigeons and is sure to get under Sir Alex's skin, who has until recently dismissed City as being a title threat.
City on the other hand will look to see if Carlos Tevez leaves or not, though his replacement Sergio Aguero is more than capable of filling his boots, its just a question of whether he settles in to life in the Premier League quickly, and if he can cope with the physical demands of the top flight, which so many South Americans have struggled with, Juan Sebastien Veron and Diego Forlan to name just a couple.
The new season holds so much promise from these two sides and the Community Shield opener has really set the tone, it is now just a question of whether United can maintain there dominace in Manchester, or if a Blue future beckons for the city.
 |
| Nani celebrating United's equaliser |
Comments
Post a Comment