Manchester United and Manchester City kick off their 2024/25 campaigns where the previous ones ended: A Manchester derby at Wembley.
The 2024 Community Shield will see the FA Cup and Premier League holders meet under the arch, but both are expected to name understrength sides given they are still welcoming back several senior players who were involved in international tournaments over the summer. Each side have seen nine players return to training in the last week, while City are still without those who featured in the Euro 2024 final: John Stones, Kyle Walker, Rodri and Phil Foden.
As a result, United and City named squads for their respective summer tours of the US that were heavily bolstered by youth players. United lost to Arsenal and Liverpool in the States and beat Real Betis, while City won just one of their four matches due to the juvenile nature of their squad.
Pep Guardiola’s side have lost the last three Community Shield finals, with City beaten on penalties by Arsenal in the 2023 edition. United haven’t played in the traditional season curtain raiser since beating then-reigning Premier League champions Leicester City in 2016.
Both sides also suffered injuries during their summer fixtures, which could have an impact on Saturday’s team selections. Below, we’ve listed the latest injury round-up from the two squads, excluding those who are still building up their fitness after late returns…
5. Jonny Evans (Expected back)
Another who came off at half-time in the Liverpool friendly but this was due to illness so he should be back this weekend.
6. Will Fish (Doubt)
Sustained an 'impact injury' in the bruising Liverpool clash, after colliding with Harvey Blair.
7. Tyrell Malacia (Out)
Missed the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign due to a long-term knee injury and wasn't involved in the pre-season tour of America. With the left-back building up his fitness, it's been hoped he could be back soon, but not in time for this weekend.
8. Rasmus Hojlund (Out)
Picked up a hamstring injury against Arsenal in LA that will rule him out for the first few weeks of the season.