Manchester United Vs. Manchester City, 2011 Community Shield: Nani Brace Completes Red Devils Comeback Win

Just before halftime Dzeko doubled City’s lead. He found some space in the center and with no United defender bothering to close down he had a ambitious go at goal. It was a hard, low shot, but one that David de Gea should have saved. The new United signing failed to react to the darting ball and poorly let it in for City’s second of the match.

Patrice Evra’s off now, replaced by Rafael da Silva, who hilariously appoints himself captain. I wonder how long it’ll be before his teammates notice.

Edin Dzeko and Anderson both get booked for getting tetchy with each other on the halfway line shortly after that. Said yellow cars will have no ramifications whatsoever.

Also, we haven’t had a corner in something like two minutes now? I wonder if something is wrong.

Here are your totally exciting Community Shield Lineups

Manchester United Vs. Manchester City, 2011 Community Shield

Time: 9:30 am ET, 2:30 pm BST

The Community Shield is often laughed at. We’re told it is a big deal, but really it is just a glorified friendly. More than anything, it signals the start of the new season, which is something anyone can get excited about. This season it’s a Manchester Derby with United, the Premier League winners, taking on City, the FA Cup winners. As far as glorified friendlies go, this one is pretty damn good.

As Gene says, nothing will be determined on Sunday. It’s still just a glorified friendly with 38 real matches yet to be played, but that doesn’t mean it’s not interesting to see how the new guys do. How do they fit in with their new clubs? Are they capable of performing well enough to justify the large transfer fees shelled out for them? Even if it is a very small step, the Community Shield is step one in finding out the answers to those questions.