Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has given a significant squad update ahead of the FA Community Shield match against Manchester United this weekend.
Guardiola’s team will kick off their 2024/25 season at Wembley Stadium, taking on local rivals Manchester United in a repeat of the Emirates FA Cup Final from May. Manchester City, who secured the Premier League title for the fourth consecutive season, faced a surprising defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup Final last season, losing 1-2 after first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
Although the Sky Blues won both Premier League encounters against Erik ten Hag’s side last season, they also experienced defeat in the previous season’s FA Community Shield against Arsenal, losing on penalties after Cole Palmer’s goal was nullified by Leandro Trossard.
Manchester City have frequently participated in the FA Community Shield but have not won the competition since 2019, when they defeated Liverpool in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at Wembley.
Saturday’s match will be Guardiola’s 21st at Wembley as Manchester City’s manager, with the 53-year-old’s contract expiring at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, and his plans beyond 2025 currently uncertain.
The Catalan coach had only a few first-team players available during a recent four-match tour of the United States but has welcomed back several others to training at the City Football Academy this week.
Manchester City will be missing England trio Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden for the fixture, along with Spanish midfielder Rodri, as Guardiola confirmed in his pre-match press conference.
Julian Alvarez will also be absent for the Sky Blues, as the 24-year-old finalizes a club-record transfer to Atletico Madrid.
Saturday’s game may also see summer signing Savinho make his first-team debut. Savinho, who joined from ES Troyes for an initial £21 million, could feature in the match.
