Manchester United Fall to Manchester City in Penalty Shootout

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged injury issues in his squad following their 7-6 penalty shootout loss to Manchester City in the Community Shield, a defeat that came after United conceded a last-minute equalizer in normal time. Ten Hag highlighted that the problems run deeper than injuries, which is why United are close to finalizing the signings of Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

United nearly added the Community Shield to their FA Cup triumph over City but a late header from Bernardo Silva, who outjumped Facundo Pellistri, denied them. With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia injured, Ten Hag had limited options. Despite a strong pre-season, young Harry Amass was not selected, leaving Pellistri as the only choice. Ten Hag substituted Harry Maguire and shifted Lisandro Martinez to his usual central defensive role.

Ten Hag hopes to avoid similar issues in their Premier League opener against Fulham. He confirmed the club is working hard to secure De Ligt and Mazraoui, who played as a left-back for Morocco in the World Cup, though he is more comfortable on the right. The expected departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham also looms. Ten Hag expressed satisfaction with United’s new management structure, noting its effective collaboration.

He emphasized the need for teamwork between players and staff to address the club’s challenges. Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane echoed the importance of keeping key players fit and maintaining squad strength. Alejandro Garnacho impressed during his 31-minute appearance, creating chances and scoring in the penalty shootout. Ten Hag praised Garnacho’s impact on the game and expressed confidence in Marcus Rashford’s ability to regain his form.

Despite a missed opportunity, Ten Hag remains optimistic about Rashford’s potential to return to his best. Jadon Sancho, who missed a crucial penalty, received support from Ten Hag, who remains confident in Sancho’s penalty-taking abilities.