Alejandro Garnacho scores at Wembley again in stunning cameo but Mason Mount fails to make an impact
MANCHESTER UNITED weren’t able to hold onto their lead in the Community Shield as they lost 7-6 on penalties to Manchester City.
Alejandro Garnacho – who put United up in the FA Cup final – did so again with 10 minutes of normal time remaining, before Bernando Silva’s 89th minute header brought a penalty shootout.
Pep Guardiola‘s side started off the better team and were unlucky not to go ahead, with Oscar Bobb curling over and James McAtee striking against the post.
Bruno Fernandes scored the best disallowed goal in recent memory in the 53rd minute, after smashing a 20 yard shot top bins before the linesman waved his flag for offside.
Marcus Rashford missed a sitter after the ball clashed with his shin and bounced off the post, before Scott McTominay kicked air from five yards out.
But Alejandro Garnacho put United 1-0 up with a fantastic finish past Ederson in the 80th minute.
Bernardo Silva – who had only been on the pitch six minutes, but later missed a penalty in the shootout – brought things level nine minutes later with a header from a brilliant Bobb assist.
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated every Man Utd performance…
ANDRE ONANA – 6
A steady performance from the Man Utd stopper.
But he couldn’t get near any of Man City’s penalties after Silva’s miss.
Drew criticism from fans for his antics in the shootout, after pointing to the side Erling Haaland should shoot, but diving the other way.
DALOT – 7
Defended really well against a dangerous Jeremy Doku for large parts of the game, but failed to make a real impact on the attacking side of the game where we know he can be a threat.
Moved to left back in the second half, where the cross came from for Man City’s equaliser, but it was more Bobb’s brilliance than Dalot’s negligence.
MAGUIRE – 6
A solid first game back for Man Utd’s number five.
Dealt with the physicality of Haaland well and refused to be overpowered at the back – passed out well when required and made some crucial blocks too.
EVANS – 6
Led by example at the back, and did a solid job for his team.
Struggled to cope with the pace of the City attack at times, but ultimately limited Haaland to another goalless display at Wembley.
Was left embarrassed later after shockingly blazing his penalty, with a scooping a conversion kick miles over the bar to put City in prime position.
MARTINEZ
Didn’t offer anything going forwards, and Man Utd missed Luke Shaw‘s threat on the left-hand side.
Bobb gave him a run for his money, and his mistake could have had United 1-0 down at half-time but for the woodwork.
CASEMIRO – 6
Was solid in midfield and almost got himself a great assist with a neat pass to Marcus Rashford in the first half, but was let down by the finish.
Didn’t control the game in the way we have seen him do in his golden years, but put in a decent display nonetheless.
Scored his penalty in the shootout.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 7
Looked composed as ever on the ball and was United’s best operator in midfield on the day, as we have got used to him being.
Man Utd look a better team with him in the side.
AMAD DIALLO – 6
Looked the most dangerous of United‘s attackers in the first half, but was let down by poor finishing and decision making at the vital moments.
MASON MOUNT – 4
Failed to really do anything of note.
Showed good energy and pressing, but his passes were often over or undercooked and it was more of what we have seen from him since leaving Chelsea.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 5
Had a big chance to open the scoring in both halves leaving fans frustrated, on another day he would have had a brace.
Did pose a threat on the left hand side, but really missed his shooting boots – Garnacho may have been better placed in his position from the off.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
His disallowed goal would have been the perfect curtain raiser, but it wasn’t to be.
Still, he did a fantastic job in the false nine role for his club, and put in a captain’s performance playing out-of-position.
He was central to everything good done by his side, and was rewarded with an assist in the second half.
Subs:
GARNACHO (DIALLO, 59 – 8
Was Man Utd’s best player since he came on for Amad Diallo, and re-created his FA Cup final moment with a great finish at the near post.
He really is excitement personified, what a player.
SCOTT MCTOMINAY (MOUNT, 59) – 5
Made a few good runs but didn’t make a massive impact as a target man in the box.
SANCHO (RASHFORD, 83) – 5
Didn’t inject the same level of energy as Garnacho on the opposing side, but didn’t have much time to impact the game.
Was unlucky to miss his penalty.
FACUNDO PELLISTRI ( MAGUIRE, 59) – 5
Was caused trouble by new boy Savinho for Man City, but ultimately limited him to a few good touches and nothing more than that, solid shift from a winger at full-back.
TOBY COLLYER (MAINOO, 59) – 6
A pretty good debut performance from the young lad who has been touted for big things.
Neat passing combinations, a good first touch and made things difficult for Rico Lewis. You’ve got to love those low socks too.