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Tomorrow, 10th August sees the Manchester clubs face off for the FA Community Shield. Pep Guardiola booked City’s ticket to the final by winning the Premier League last season, with United winning the FA Cup against the citizens to book in the rematch between the squads.
United’s pre-season getting them ready for the match up has been a bit of a roller coaster. The Red Devils set off Stateside for their tour, then two loses, a win and seven injuries later and we’re bracing for the Community Shield.
Erik ten Hag’s men unfortunately lost to Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool whilst getting a victory over Real Betis.
However, the real concern has been with the extensive and important injuries sustained.
New signing Leny Yoro has already been ruled out right the way through to the end of October, with Rasmus Hojlund out until late September, with both men taken off against Arsenal.
In the next game against Real Betis, Antony and Marcus Rashford were taken off as well. Both men appear to be ok though with Antony coming back on against Liverpool, and Rashford appearing to be moving ok on it in training.
The final game against Liverpool saw Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Will Fish all taken off, adding to United’s injury list.
Now, City manager Pep Guardiola has commented on his squad, with five players ruled out of tomorrow’s game.
Pep Guardiola announces his five missing men
Guardiola spoke to Beanyman Sports during a press conference, announcing some players who will be missing in the Community Shield final.
Speaking to the press, about the players who competed in the final of Euro 2024, the Spanish manager said: “We try to give them the best rest possible. As much (rest) as possible. We would like to give them more time but we gave them a lot,”
He added: “The England players and Rodri will come back next week.”
With this in mind, City will be without Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden.
The other star that City will not be able to field is striker Julian Alvarez.
The Argentina international is all set on a £80 million move to Atletico Madrid following his extremely busy summer representing Argentina in both the Copa America and the Olympics.
Speaking of his time working with Alvarez, Guardiola said: “It was a joy to work with him,”
He continued: “I learnt a lot from him and hopefully he can find what he was looking for.
“He believes his period here must be over so, okay, both clubs (City and Atletico) arrive to an agreement.”
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