Manchester City handed unexpected boost ahead of FA Community Shield clash against Manchester United

Manchester United are set to be without both Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund for the FA Community Shield clash against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.

Both Manchester City and Manchester United are set to conclude pre-season tours of the United States and return to the United Kingdom to begin preparations for 2024 FA Community Shield Final, taking place on Saturday 10 August at Wembley Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s side will be seeking to avenge for May’s Emirates FA Cup Final loss to Manchester United, after Manchester City suffered a surprise 1-2 loss to Erik ten Hag’s side.

Manchester City were bidding to become the first team to retain both the Premier League and FA Cup, but failed to win the prestigious FA Cup trophy, with first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo smashing Manchester United into an unassailable lead.

The Sky Blues had won both Premier League meetings between the two teams during the campaign, and won 2-1 in the 2023 FA Cup Final against United, after a famous brace from former club captain Ilkay Gundogan.

Manchester City beat Manchester United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium and won 0-3 at Old Trafford last season, and will begin their domestic campaign with a clash against their local rivals following the result of the FA Cup Final.

City suffered a penalty shoot-out defeat to Arsenal in the competition last season, and have failed to win the Community Shield since 2019, despite regularly competing in the fixture.

Manchester City’s squad for the fixture is currently unknown, with Guardiola yet to confirm when players from the European Championship and Copa America will return to training for the Blues.

Erling Haaland was also forced off during a friendly fixture against FC Barcelona due to fitness concerns, with Julian Alvarez definitely unavailable due to participation at the Olympics.

Manchester United are set to be without two players for the clash, with Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund both sidelined due to injuries.

Yoro completed a move to Manchester United this summer, but is ruled out until October due to a foot injury suffered during pre-season, meanwhile Hojlund is sidelined due to a hamstring problem.