New Delhi: It is always a treat to watch the Manchester teams go head to head on the pitch and this time, the fans will get to witness Manchester City facing off Manchester United at Wembley, for the FA Community Shield title. Manchester City won their fourth consecutive premier league title as Pep Guardiola’s men made English top flight history. Besides, they have shown how dominant they have been over the last few years, winning six out of the last seven premier league campaigns.
They have looked nothing short of extraordinary in the last few premier league campaigns and there won’t be a better way to boost their confidence to go for their fifth premier league title than defeating their neighbours, Manchester United, pre season, in the FA Community shield clash.
However, it won’t be an easy task for Pep’s men as they did lose last season’s FA Cup final to their neighbours back in May. Manchester United have been on a hunt ever since the summer transfer window started and they have recruited some good players to strengthen their squad. However, their nightmares from last season seem to be haunting them yet again as their pre season friendlies saw the Red Devils lose some big names in their squad including the likes of new signing Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund.
It will be interesting to see how both the managers plan things out in this star studded clash where there are a numerous key battles on the field that could play role in determining the outcome of the match.
Ruben Dias vs Joshua Zirkzee
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: John Stones of Manchester City celebrates scoring the opening goal with Ruben Dias during the Carabao Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 6, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
A physical battle where both the players will be looking to have a tussle as they both can turn out to be key figures for their respective sides. Rben Dias is without a doubt one of the best defenders in the world right now and his intelligence, ability to mark his man, win aerial duels and produce some crucial blocks, make him a fantastic overall defender. He has proven himself to be a crucial figure for Manchester City’s backline over the years and his contribution has been immense to Pep’s side.
Him being a part of the backline can prove to be a massive plus point for the Sky Blues. The City defender has a tremendous ability to read the game and put in big challenges to stop the opposition from progressing forward. Dias knows how to lead his defence and it is never an easy task to beat the Portuguese defender.
However, facing the City defender would be Manchester United’s newest signing Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward is fresh off from a wonderful campaign with Serie A side Bologna where he managed to score 11 times, proving himself to be a crucial figure for Thiago Motta’s Bologna side.
The towering forward is a massive aerial threat and over the past few seasons, he has truly improved his finishing ability too. He will be looking to continue this form from previous season as is can turn out to be a major factor for United’s forward line. The 23-year-old’s physicality and ability on the ball would make him a massive threat, particularly for Dias, considering the fact that he would be the heart of City’s defence. It will be an interesting battle where two physical specimen will be up against each other.
Kevin De Bruyne vs Casemiro
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 3: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Casemiro of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on March 3, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
A big midfield clash where two veterans will be up against each other. Manchester City fans have witnessed some of the greatest midfielders to play for the Sky Blues and Keving De Bruyne has to be right at the top of that list. The 33-year-old midfielder is amongst the most intelligent footballers in the world and the things this guy does on the pitch is just jawdropping.
His ability to find the perfect pass from any angle of the pitch is something that has been pivotal for Pep Guardiola’s side over the years. Besides, the Belgian has a great record against Manchester United, making him a massive threat for Erik Ten Hag’s side.
De Bruyne will be facing Manchester United’s midfield tank, one of the most decorated players in the game, Casemiro. Despite the fact that the ageing midfielder is way past his best, on his day he can poduce a match winning perforformance for his side. Casemiro is well known for his game reading ability and agression, hich has earned him so much success over the past few decades.
He might not be having the best time on the pitch for the Red Devils, but he has proven his worth in the past, playing for Real Madrid, where he was one of the best defensive midfielders. However, in order to go head to head against City’s attacking midfielder De Bryune, Casemiro has to give his best on the pitch which can turn out to be the difference maker.
Erling Haaland vs Lisandro Martinez
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 02: Erling Haaland of Manchester City battles for possession with Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Another Major battle on the pitch, Haland will be looking to give his best against Lisandro Martinez. The Norwegian striker has been a complete menace, ever since he joined Manchester City, scoring goals for fun and terrorising the premier league defences with his physicality and finishing ability. On his day, he can prove to be a big time threat for the opposition and it becomes extremely hard to stop him. Haaland has already shown his intent during the pre season friendlies as he managed to score in each of the games. He looks set to face Erik Ten Hag’s United, as he looks to add to his wonderful record against the Red Devils where he has scored six times in six appearances.
However, he will be up against the Argentine defender, Lisandro Martinez. Martinez has been a great asset for Erik Ten Hag’s side, establishing himself as a solid centre back. Martinez is one of the most technically sound defenders in the league and his involvement can cause Haaland a lot of problems.
Often criticised for his height, people fail to identify his defensive engagement in a team where the backline has been a problem for years now. He has a reputation of being spot on with his defensive positioning and judgement. However, the Argentine does get in trouble due to his agression but one thing is for sure that he will be needing plenty of it against Erling Haaland.
Manchester City face their neighbours Manchester United for the FA Community shield title, so here’s a look at some of the key battles on the pitch that could prove pivotal. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
