Judging by the starting lineup, it seems that City were not particularly interested in winning the Super Cup. In fact, Guardiola was expected to focus on those players he played with at the training ground (McKaty, O’Reilly, Bobb), and not on those who came to the team late due to Euro 2024. Although to some extent, City’s interest in this particular trophy has really faded. The previous three years, Guardiola’s team lost this trophy (to Leicester, Liverpool and Arsenal).
But Manchester United have not been spoilt for silverware this much in the past 10 years. And each one is a big event. That is apparently why Ten Hag included Euro 2024 finalist Maina in the starting XI, and City left their best player from last season, Foden, on the bench.
The match at Wembley started as expected with City attacking as the favourites of the match. Doku on the left flank outplayed his opponents several times. In one of the cases, he threw the ball between Dalo’s legs. Apparently, Mazraoui will soon be Manchester United’s right-back, whose transfer (like that of De Ligt) is about to be officially announced. By the way, Wan-Bissaka did not even make the squad for the Super Cup and his move to West Ham is also a matter of time. And quite a small one, judging by insiders.
In the 24th minute, City came very close to opening the scoring. Martinez (playing in the unusual position of left-back) cut in front of his own goal and McAthy fired in off the far post from a good position.
McAtee’s kick
Photo: frame from the broadcast.
As for Manchester United’s attack, something was starting to happen up front mainly due to Amad Diallo. The winger looked so good in the summer training camp that the Manchester United manager said in an interview: “This should be his year.” However, Rashford had the best chance in the first half, shooting wide from an excellent position.
Rashford’s kick
Photo: frame from the broadcast.
Before the break, neither team had a single shot on target and the second half began with a great goal from Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese came on as a false striker, but in this episode he opened up like a completely classic striker and shot under the crossbar. However, the goal was immediately ruled out for offside. The replay showed that he was indeed offside.
After this, ten Hag immediately made a quadruple substitution. Maguire, Mainou, Mount and Diallo were replaced by McTominay, Garnacho, Collyer and Pellistri. As a result of the reshuffle, Martinez returned to his usual position in the centre of defence. True, for this Dalot had to move to the unfamiliar left flank. The game took on a fairly stable structure: City pressed, and Manchester United tried to launch counterattacks immediately after giving the ball back. And in the 75th minute they almost succeeded.
Rashford hits the post
Photo: frame from the broadcast.
Garnacho ran on the counterattack and put the ball into Rashford’s path. The Englishman had a great position, but hit the post. At that moment it seemed that the goals would only come in the penalty shoot-out, and even that was not a given. However, the teams still exchanged goals. At first, Garnacho himself decided not to pass the ball to his teammates, but moved to the centre and irresistibly fired in the corner. And seven minutes later Bernardo Silva, who had already come on as a substitute, scored. It was a rare occasion where he scored with his head. Regulation time ended in a 1:1 draw.
According to the rules, the teams skipped extra time and went straight to penalties. City failed to convert the first shot from 11 metres, with Onana taking charge of Silva. Of course, Manchester United were not without their mistakes either. Ederson hit the post after Sancho’s shot. Curiously, the Brazilian went to take the penalty himself – he took it with a fair amount of confidence. Well, the key mistake was Evans, who shot terribly over the goal. And gave City their first trophy of the season.
Paqueta was supposed to move to City, but he foolishly made a bet:
The Brazilian national team player faces a long ban for betting. His situation is more difficult than that of Tonali.
