Manchester United receive huge double boost ahead of Community Shield vs Man City

A week after the conclusion of their preseason tour in the United States, Manchester United will play Manchester City at the Community Sheid on Saturday.

Shaw and Mainoo have returned to Carrington. (Image: 2024 Manchester United FC)

Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo, two Manchester United players, arrived back at Carrington early on Monday.

Following England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the European Championship final on July 14, Shaw and Mainoo both got off to a start. As a result, they were granted an extension to rest.

After their international responsibilities, the two were permitted to have a holiday, but on Monday, Shaw and Mainoo returned to training and were able to begin in the Community Shield.

After last weekend’s match, United’s preseason tour of the United States came to a close, and the players took an instant flight back to Manchester. The United players that participated in the tour are scheduled to resume full training on Wednesday in order to be ready for Saturday’s matchup with Manchester City.

The FA Cup and Premier League winners square off for the Community Shield, and United is hoping to win again against City following their incredible triumph in May.

Shaw’s last game for United was on February 18, the day he suffered a muscle injury that kept him out of the season and the group stage of Euro 2024.

The defender was introduced at halftime in the semi-final matchup with the Netherlands, having made his debut during the tournament against Switzerland in the quarterfinals.

Shaw was chosen to start the Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin against Spain. He and Mainoo were included in the starting XI, with Shaw’s role for the Three Lions growing throughout the competition.

Prior to Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate acknowledged Mainoo’s outstanding achievements for United after he scored the game-winning goal in the FA Cup final versus City previous season.

The Manchester Evening News reported at the beginning of March that, in acknowledgement of Mainoo’s increasing significance, United had begun negotiations to extend his contract.

A few weeks later, Mainoo was called up for the first time to the England team and made his debut in an international match against Brazil. He then started against Belgium.

“I think all of his performances have been exceptional, especially when you consider his age,” Southgate said of Mainoo following England’s victory over the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Up until now, we haven’t really had a player like him.

“When your midfield players can receive the ball pressed and turn with it so easily and comfortably, it makes such a difference.” When he performs it, it appears easy, but it’s not.

However, I felt that our movement was excellent, with Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden appearing in different spots. They had to adjust to living without the ball, which led to numerous issues.”

Shaw and Mainoo are predicted to start the Premier League season’s first matchup against Fulham.