Manchester City Wins Community Shield in Thrilling Penalty Shootout

Manchester City has begun their new season with a thrilling 7-6 victory over Manchester United in the Community Shield match at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The traditional season curtain-raiser ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout.

Manchester United looked set to repeat their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City when Alejandro Garnacho put his side ahead in the 82nd minute. However, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva equalized in the 89th minute, sending the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji scored the decisive spot-kick after Silva had earlier missed, while Manchester United centre-back Jonny Evans and winger Jadon Sancho failed to convert their penalties.

Manchester City’s victory marked their first Community Shield win since 2019, ending a run of defeats in the competition. The win is a boost for the team as they begin their quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title.

"We enjoyed the season against our rival in Manchester and to start the season with a title is good. We are really pleased," said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was disappointed with the result, saying, "Tough result to take. When the performance is right, when you lose everyone feels this. It hurts in your stomach."

The defeat did not dampen United’s spirits, however, with ten Hag highlighting the positives from the match. "We managed to be on an equal level with Man City, we created chances, we got pressure in the ball and in possession we had some very good chances from this so there are many positives we can take," he said.

Manchester City will begin their Premier League campaign at Chelsea on August 18, while Manchester United will start their season at home to Fulham on Friday.