Manchester City and Pep Guardiola got their campaign off to a winning start by beating rivals Manchester United in the Community Shield.
The sunshine was streaking down onto the Wembley pitch on a sunny Saturday afternoon, but it was not a game to remember.
There were no shots on target for the first 75 minutes of the game, with the champions resting plenty of their big hitters.
United had the better of the chances, with Scott McTominay missing a particularly notable chance in the second half.
The likes of Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire were on the pitch for the Red Devils, but struggled to have an impact in the curtain-raiser.
After a pretty uneventful 70 minutes, things did kick into gear.
Man Utd took the lead late on through Alejandro Garnacho, who drilled low into the far corner in what looked to be the winner.
Job done ✅#ManCity pic.twitter.com/NMlwSLSA0d
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 10, 2024
But in typical City fashion, they battled back to draw things level late on.
Substitute Bernardo Silva came on and managed to head past Andre Onana just two minutes from time.
With no extra time in the Community Shield, the tie would be decided on penalties.
The players headed to the end filled with United fans, and it certainly made a difference for the FA Cup holders.
Silva, City’s goalscorer, stepped up first but saw his effort saved by Onana.
Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho and Diogo Dalot all scored by Jadon Sancho was denied by a strong hand from Ederson.
New signing Savinho then netted for City, as did Casemiro and Ederson himself.
The goals kept coming and it was not until Jonny Evans missed for United did the match finally conclude.
Manuel Akanji – who missed against England at Euro 2024 this summer – stepped up and slammed home the deciding penalty to spark celebrations in the sky-blue end.
