Man United to repeat Kobbie Mainoo trick vs Man City after Garnacho comment and Chelsea chase
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to hand 17-year-old full-back Harry Amass a start against Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium
The 2024/25 campaign officially kicks off among English top-flight teams with the Community Shield at Wembley - and it’s the same two teams meeting as were on that pitch at the end of May for the FA Cup final.
Manchester United triumphed in that game, quite possibly salvaging Erik ten Hag’s job in the process, and they’ll once more face a derby encounter with a trophy as the prize, against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Event details:
NAME: Manchester City - Manchester United
DATE: 10 Aug 2024
TIME: 14:00 UTC
VENUE: Wembley Stadium, London, England
Silverware might be on the line but this is essentially a glorified friendly, baring little relevance to the season ahead - yet it will be an important part of both teams’ preparations regardless, as league action is just one week away. United in particular are struggling with injuries at the start of the season, while Man City haven’t had all their Euro 2024 and Copa America stars back for long, so additional practice time on the pitch is of the essence.
Under four months after being on the bench for the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium, Harry Amass is set to start the Community Shield against Man City
Harry Amass will start for Manchester United against Manchester City in the Community Shield less than 12 months after first being registered with the club.
Amass, 17, only joined the Reds last summer, signing a long-term contract after United agreed a deal with Watford, who he joined at age nine. Chelsea were also interested in the Londoner, but the Reds beat them to Amass.
The move required Premier League approval, meaning there was no announcement until mid-August. That came when United confirmed their Professional Development Phase (PDP) group for last season, alongside the additions of the Fletcher twins, Jack and Tyler.
READ MORE:Shaw, Maguire, Yoro, Hojlund - United injury news and return dates vs City
READ MORE:Is City vs United on TV? Kick off time, live stream and how to follow Community Shield
The teenager played 15 times for the under-18s last season, including in the U18 Premier League National final against Chelsea, playing the full 90 minutes as United became champions after a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. Amass scored one goal and assisted another three from left-back across the campaign while appearing in the club's two FA Youth Cup matches and twice during the UEFA Youth League group stages.
In early February, he started training with the first team at Carrington a month before turning 17, stepping up to the under-21s before the beginning of March and making three appearances in Premier League 2. Then, in April, Amass broke into the senior squad, being named on the bench for six consecutive Premier League matches, plus the FA Cup semi-final, without playing.
But that has changed this summer, featuring in all five friendlies and starting all three games on the pre-season tour of the United States. The first and last of those were against Arsenal and Liverpool, and Amass will soon be able to add City to that list.
United manager Erik ten Hag has likened the player to Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. "We have to make progress, but we all see here a potential where we have seen in previous years," Ten Hag said after Amass assisted Amad's opening goal against Real Betis.
"For instance, two years ago, Garnacho last season. We had it during last season with Kobbie, but he is not that far now at this moment.
"Yet, if we train him well, if we coach him well, then, in three months, it's possible he can be on that point." That coaching was clear minutes into the second half when MEN Sport overheard Ten Hag urging Amass to get "higher".
After the match, the manager continued: "But, in this moment, he needs to catch up and he has to develop some skills already to play for Manchester United, competing for the highest positions in the league. But, with big talent, it can go up very quickly, and that is very interesting to see if he is capable of doing this."
In more concise comments after the Liverpool game, Ten Hag told MUTV: "I said already there is potential, he has to improve. The last 12 days on the tour he made big steps, he was really tested in defending, he made a step forward but there is still a long way to go."
However, Amass already believes he is ready. "My intention is to play first-team football at this club," he has said this summer. "I think if the opportunity comes, I’ve got to take it with both hands, it could change my career. I am just waiting for that moment, I am ready."
"I enjoy it. In front of the crowds, playing with the best players, I’m enjoying it. You’ve just got to show your aggressive side. You might be young, smaller than the opponent, but you have to show you are aggressive and don’t back down. Then you can have a good game."
"No conversations have been had yet but this pre-season is a chance to prove that if I am picked I can do it. Obviously, we’ll see what happens when Luke [Shaw] and Tyrell [Malacia] come back. My intention is to play first-team football at this club."
Amass has drawn comparisons to Shaw this summer and the player himself agrees. "It is a good comparison," he said. "In my opinion, [Shaw is] one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, if not the best for a long time. So I am not gonna complain at the comparisons!" Malacia is still out and Shaw is a doubt for the Community Shield, so that comparison will be tested against City at Wembley.
Man United vs. Man City lineups, team news
Manchester United will face Manchester City in the Community Shield with a depleted squad due to multiple injuries. Key attacking players Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, and Marcus Rashford are sidelined, along with recent signing Leny Yoro.
While the absences present challenges for manager Erik ten Hag, they may simplify team selection in certain positions. The defensive line-up is expected to feature a more traditional formation, with Andre Onana in goal and a central defensive partnership of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Amass are likely to start as full-backs.
In midfield, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount are expected to form the starting trio. The absence of Kobbie Mainoo, recovering from the Euros final, is a setback.
The attacking lineup is less certain due to the injuries. Amad Diallo's strong pre-season performances increase his chances of starting, while Joshua Zirkzee is in line for his competitive debut. Jadon Sancho will aim to regain his place in the team.
Man United predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Onana (GK) – Dalot, Martinez, Amass, Evans – Casemiro, Eriksen – Amad, Mount, Sancho – Rashford.
Despite their recent dominance in the Premier League, Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, is known for his experimental approach, especially in cup finals and early-season matches.
Key players like Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden may be sidelined longer after their Euro 2024 commitments. Yet, City's squad depth remains strong with Mateo Kovacic's midfield growth and the promising performances of Oscar Bobb and Jack Grealish.
Rico Lewis and Nathan Ake can cover defensive roles, while Stefan Ortega is likely to continue as the cup goalkeeper amid speculation about Ederson's future. Emerging talent Nico O'Reilly, who shone in pre-season, might also get significant playing time.
Man City predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ortega (GK) – Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol – Phillips, Kovacic – Bobb, McAtee, Grealish – Haaland.
Injured: N/A
Suspended: N/A
Man United vs. Man City prediction
Prediction: Man United 1-2 Man City
After a sluggish pre-season, Manchester City showed their strength in a recent match against Chelsea, positioning themselves as favorites for the upcoming derby against Manchester United. With their form on the rise, City is predicted to secure a 2-1 victory over their rivals.
Man City vs Manchester United LIVE: Community Shield team news, line-ups and more today
The two sides met at Wembley in the FA Cup final and do so again to start the new season
🔴📺GO LIVE==►►📲👉Man City vs Man United Live FREE
🔴📺STREAMING=►►📲👉FA Community Shield Final 2024 Live
Man United to repeat Kobbie Mainoo trick vs Man City after Garnacho comment and Chelsea chase
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to hand 17-year-old full-back Harry Amass a start against Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium
The 2024/25 campaign officially kicks off among English top-flight teams with the Community Shield at Wembley - and it’s the same two teams meeting as were on that pitch at the end of May for the FA Cup final.
Manchester United triumphed in that game, quite possibly salvaging Erik ten Hag’s job in the process, and they’ll once more face a derby encounter with a trophy as the prize, against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Event details:
NAME: Manchester City - Manchester United
DATE: 10 Aug 2024
TIME: 14:00 UTC
VENUE: Wembley Stadium, London, England
Silverware might be on the line but this is essentially a glorified friendly, baring little relevance to the season ahead - yet it will be an important part of both teams’ preparations regardless, as league action is just one week away. United in particular are struggling with injuries at the start of the season, while Man City haven’t had all their Euro 2024 and Copa America stars back for long, so additional practice time on the pitch is of the essence.
Under four months after being on the bench for the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium, Harry Amass is set to start the Community Shield against Man City
Harry Amass will start for Manchester United against Manchester City in the Community Shield less than 12 months after first being registered with the club.
Amass, 17, only joined the Reds last summer, signing a long-term contract after United agreed a deal with Watford, who he joined at age nine. Chelsea were also interested in the Londoner, but the Reds beat them to Amass.
The move required Premier League approval, meaning there was no announcement until mid-August. That came when United confirmed their Professional Development Phase (PDP) group for last season, alongside the additions of the Fletcher twins, Jack and Tyler.
READ MORE:Shaw, Maguire, Yoro, Hojlund - United injury news and return dates vs City
READ MORE:Is City vs United on TV? Kick off time, live stream and how to follow Community Shield
The teenager played 15 times for the under-18s last season, including in the U18 Premier League National final against Chelsea, playing the full 90 minutes as United became champions after a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. Amass scored one goal and assisted another three from left-back across the campaign while appearing in the club's two FA Youth Cup matches and twice during the UEFA Youth League group stages.
In early February, he started training with the first team at Carrington a month before turning 17, stepping up to the under-21s before the beginning of March and making three appearances in Premier League 2. Then, in April, Amass broke into the senior squad, being named on the bench for six consecutive Premier League matches, plus the FA Cup semi-final, without playing.
But that has changed this summer, featuring in all five friendlies and starting all three games on the pre-season tour of the United States. The first and last of those were against Arsenal and Liverpool, and Amass will soon be able to add City to that list.
United manager Erik ten Hag has likened the player to Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. "We have to make progress, but we all see here a potential where we have seen in previous years," Ten Hag said after Amass assisted Amad's opening goal against Real Betis.
"For instance, two years ago, Garnacho last season. We had it during last season with Kobbie, but he is not that far now at this moment.
"Yet, if we train him well, if we coach him well, then, in three months, it's possible he can be on that point." That coaching was clear minutes into the second half when MEN Sport overheard Ten Hag urging Amass to get "higher".
After the match, the manager continued: "But, in this moment, he needs to catch up and he has to develop some skills already to play for Manchester United, competing for the highest positions in the league. But, with big talent, it can go up very quickly, and that is very interesting to see if he is capable of doing this."
In more concise comments after the Liverpool game, Ten Hag told MUTV: "I said already there is potential, he has to improve. The last 12 days on the tour he made big steps, he was really tested in defending, he made a step forward but there is still a long way to go."
However, Amass already believes he is ready. "My intention is to play first-team football at this club," he has said this summer. "I think if the opportunity comes, I’ve got to take it with both hands, it could change my career. I am just waiting for that moment, I am ready."
"I enjoy it. In front of the crowds, playing with the best players, I’m enjoying it. You’ve just got to show your aggressive side. You might be young, smaller than the opponent, but you have to show you are aggressive and don’t back down. Then you can have a good game."
"No conversations have been had yet but this pre-season is a chance to prove that if I am picked I can do it. Obviously, we’ll see what happens when Luke [Shaw] and Tyrell [Malacia] come back. My intention is to play first-team football at this club."
Amass has drawn comparisons to Shaw this summer and the player himself agrees. "It is a good comparison," he said. "In my opinion, [Shaw is] one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, if not the best for a long time. So I am not gonna complain at the comparisons!" Malacia is still out and Shaw is a doubt for the Community Shield, so that comparison will be tested against City at Wembley.
Man United vs. Man City lineups, team news
Manchester United will face Manchester City in the Community Shield with a depleted squad due to multiple injuries. Key attacking players Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, and Marcus Rashford are sidelined, along with recent signing Leny Yoro.
While the absences present challenges for manager Erik ten Hag, they may simplify team selection in certain positions. The defensive line-up is expected to feature a more traditional formation, with Andre Onana in goal and a central defensive partnership of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Amass are likely to start as full-backs.
In midfield, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount are expected to form the starting trio. The absence of Kobbie Mainoo, recovering from the Euros final, is a setback.
The attacking lineup is less certain due to the injuries. Amad Diallo's strong pre-season performances increase his chances of starting, while Joshua Zirkzee is in line for his competitive debut. Jadon Sancho will aim to regain his place in the team.
Man United predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Onana (GK) – Dalot, Martinez, Amass, Evans – Casemiro, Eriksen – Amad, Mount, Sancho – Rashford.
Injured: Malacia (knee), Yoro (ankle), Højlund (hamstring)
Suspended: N/A
Despite their recent dominance in the Premier League, Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, is known for his experimental approach, especially in cup finals and early-season matches.
Key players like Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden may be sidelined longer after their Euro 2024 commitments. Yet, City's squad depth remains strong with Mateo Kovacic's midfield growth and the promising performances of Oscar Bobb and Jack Grealish.
Rico Lewis and Nathan Ake can cover defensive roles, while Stefan Ortega is likely to continue as the cup goalkeeper amid speculation about Ederson's future. Emerging talent Nico O'Reilly, who shone in pre-season, might also get significant playing time.
Man City predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ortega (GK) – Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol – Phillips, Kovacic – Bobb, McAtee, Grealish – Haaland.
Injured: N/A
Suspended: N/A
Man United vs. Man City prediction
Prediction: Man United 1-2 Man City
After a sluggish pre-season, Manchester City showed their strength in a recent match against Chelsea, positioning themselves as favorites for the upcoming derby against Manchester United. With their form on the rise, City is predicted to secure a 2-1 victory over their rivals.