Amad Diallo starts, Zirkzee lead the Frontline”, Predicted Community Shield starting line-ups as Man United face potential injury crisis

When the two city rivals square off in the 2024 Community Shield final on August 10, it will be a rematch of the FA Cup final from the previous season and a chance for Manchester United to defeat Manchester City for the second time in a row. The Red Devils’ thrilling 2-1 triumph last time out not only gave them their 13th FA Cup victory, but it also finally allowed Erik ten Hag to hold onto his position after a miserable Premier League season.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: It was the first time since 1885 that the same two clubs have faced off in successive FA Cup finals when they faced off in the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 seasons.

And while this is his first chance to validate the Jim Ratcliffe-led hierarchy’s choice behind the cool exterior of what many refer to as a “glorified pre-season friendly,” neither Manchester United nor its fiercest rivals will want to lose the opportunity to brag about their match, which would otherwise go unnoticed.

However, given how both teams have handled their preseason travels thus far, everyone is immediately curious about how both managers would arrange their squads. An hour or so prior to kickoff, club news usually becomes public and provides a decent idea of how the team plans to begin the Premier League season. But figuring out who will start each lineup for the upcoming game is a hard order, given that Ten Hag was forced into a rearrangement due to an injury problem and Pep Guardiola is notorious for his “roulette” selection procedure.

Manchester United’s precarious transition phase has been made more difficult by injuries to Marcus Rashford, Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, and £52 million signing Leny Yoro. The club had previously given Ten Hag the go-ahead to remain on board.

On the plus side, though, it does somewhat simplify the Dutchman’s selection process, even though it may make the pre-season litmus test against their city neighbours that much harder. It is anticipated that United will adopt a more traditional defensive configuration, with Andre Onana remaining in goal, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof starting in place of the injured players in the middle of the defence, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Amass getting paid for their consistent play on the wings.

Fortunately, midfield chooses itself. Ten Hag will probably decide to go full strength in the middle of the park with Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount coming in as there haven’t been any significant injuries in this part of the pitch. The main drawback is the absence of Kobbie Mainoo, who is anticipated to receive some additional recuperation time after England’s defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

With three goals in three preseason games, Amad Diallo should almost certainly continue to start on the right side for the attacking team. This will only serve to reinforce the demands of those who have called for him to be given greater playing time the following season. In other news, Hojlund and Rashford’s injuries will likely force Joshua Zirkzee to make his competitive debut, while Jadon Sancho will look to maintain his Old Trafford residence.