Manchester United have an unexpected starting attack for opening Premier League fixture

For many, the Community Shield is a glorified pre-season friendly and doesn't mean much.

Manchester United still wanted to beat Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, regardless of it being viewed in that way, but the fixture did provide clues ahead of the new season.

Erik ten Hag named new signing Joshua Zirkzee on the bench and Bruno Fernandes started as a 'false nine', with Amad on the right and Marcus Rashford on the left.

Amad has been one of the brightest sparks in United's pre-season in 2024 and deserved to start at Wembley. He was unfortunate to miss out on the FA Cup final in May given he ended the season with a flourish, but that omission was logical given he would have gone up against Josko Gvardiol.

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Amad was bound to come up against Gvardiol at some point and didn't look fazed - he regularly screamed to receive the ball from his teammates - at finally facing the imposing defender.

It took a while for United's players to get Amad into the game during the first half, but he made the most of the play being switched in his direction, looking proactive and bright.

There is a strong feeling that the 22-year-old could make this season 'his own' and he showed why every United supporter is talking about him ahead of 2024/25.

Amad scored against Rangers and Real Betis in pre-season and should have added another to his collection when weaving his way through the City defence in the first half. It was a moment of genuine quality and he looked to pass to Mason Mount instead of shooting himself.

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