Manchester City will not be going all out for the Community Shield. Pep Guardiola wants to win it, obviously, but not at the extent of risking their chances to win bigger and more important silverware.
If that was the case, he wouldn't have allowed so many of his squad to have extended rests that has seen the majority only begin their pre-season this week.
City are a scalp for United, a chance for the Reds to claim back-to-back victories over their dominant neighbours and point to a team that is closing the gap on the Blues despite finishing lower than them in the league for the last 11 seasons.
Erik Ten Hag's side are in better shape for this game and have more to prove. READ MORE: UEFA hand ban to Man City star Rodri for controversial celebration READ MORE: The 13 Man City stars who could miss Community Shield vs Manchester United Because of that though, United will be useful to show City exactly where they are at in terms of replacing Julian Alvarez.