Manchester United vs. Manchester City LIVE UPDATES: 2011 Community Shield
The 2011 Community Shield will be the tale of just one city: Manchester.
Each year during the weekend before the English Premier League begins its season, the reigning champion takes on the holder of the coveted FA Cup in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in London. Although the result does not show in the standings, there is no doubt that both Manchester United and Manchester City will take the field with something to prove.
Coming of another championship campaign under manager Sir Alex Ferguson, United have designs on not only retaining their place atop the England's top flight soccer league but also remaining the top club in its home town.
Of course, City has been stockpiling talent for a few years now in a bid to usurp both thrones. Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, one of the many high-priced talents lassoed with the purse strings of club owner Sheikh Mansour of the United Arab Erimates, recently said that he believes that "City could be as good as Barca." Fittingly, being as good as Barcelona seems to be just about the only way to best United these days. The Catalans romped over Fergie's charges in the UEFA Champions League Final last year.
If this Manchester derby is any bit as entertaining as February's tilt that was decided by a wonder goal by Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, then we've got a cracker on our hands.
If you've been waiting all summer for the EPL to return then stay tuned throughout the game for live updates.
| @ MacAree : Rafael da Silva has now captained United to more trophies than Cesc Fabregas has Arsenal. |
| @ OliverKayTimes : Fantastic game. #MUFC more than worthy winners for the way their kids went for it in the 2nd half and of course for that brilliant 2nd goal |
| @ jorgearangure : What a fun match between City and United. Certainly didn't seem like a friendly. This rivalry has been raised a notch |
Tweet, tweet. It's in the books. A stunning winner in injury times caps an electric exhibition to open the year. I think all of us footie fans have a terrific season ahead of us.
That brilliant Nani effort seems to have unofficially ended the match as both sides play out the last minute or so.
Wow. Relentlessly running down a bouncing ball at midfield, Nani powers by last two City defenders and lopes the length of the half to go one on one with GK Joe Hart. He makes a simple move to his left and slots right into the net. Phenomenal effort and finish. A winner from nothing.
| @ dirtytackle : Here comes The Berba. You can't say this game is unimportant now. |
Have been added by the official. It'll be a shame if this has to go to penalties.
Perhaps the magician has a late winner. City fans must wonder, where is Kun Aguero?
Sends a strong header goalward that De Gea nicely saves. Toure earned a foul by barreling over a defender so none of this counted. But the header and the save both impressed.
After getting a nice lay off pass from Rooney down the flank, he floats in a cross that is headed out for a corner. Hart punches clear. Rooney sends it right back but Hart saves again.
Wait up a bit... all of a sudden City are full of life and pushing numbers into the box. Everything is a bit off, too high, too heavy, etc., but they are showing signs of life. Perhaps someone reminded them that they, too, have a chance at a late winner.
The crowd shots being shown by Fox Soccer Channel would lead you to believe this is a Man U rout. Ebullient United fans and City supporters thinking about the long ride on the M-whatever although back home.
| @ mjdasilva : Ashley Young is the oldest player on the pitch for United right now. The future of Manchester United is right in front of you #mufc |
With young, lithe attackers running rampant, United seem on the verge of a winner. Otherwise, this match goes directly to penalties. There is no overtime session.
| @ 101greatgoals : De Gea makes a quality stop to deny Johnson. He needed that. Good stuff |
De Gea makes a smart save on a rocket above his left shoulder from Adam Johnson
Flies over the top of everyone and eventually the ball is out on far side for a United throw.
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| @ 101greatgoals : Man City have seen their 2 goal lead evaporate. Momentum with United. City need an attacking outlet. 20 mins left. And Mancini picks Clichy |
Rooney's shot from free kick is blocked by scrum of players directly ahead of him.
Gael Clichy, former Arsenal defender, makes his debut in powder blue, coming on for Kolarov.
Kompany hauls down Young beyond the top of the penalty area.
Also, Evra off for Rafael.
| @ ChrisToy : Somewhere, British press rooms are devoting entire days to brainstorming pun headlines for anytime Tom Cleverly does something. |
With City finding a bit of energy going forward, we've had an end-to-end spell here. Entertaining stuff.
A stumbling, stabbing chance at stopping a hemi-powered Rooney drive comes off cleanly.
| @ henrywinter : For those questioning #mufc new boy De Gea, I remember newcomer Stam run ragged by Anelka in Charity Shield. Didn't do badly long term |
Micah Richards does some quality defending and comes charging up the edge with the ball but once he crosses midfield there is nowhere for him to go. His teammates are stagnant and seemingly so concerned with holding back the waves of red that no one is thinking about attack.
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First Posted: 08/ 7/2011 4:22 am Updated: 10/ 6/2011 6:12 am