Filed under: Manchester City, Manchester United, Football, Match Previews
COMMUNITY SHIELD: WEMBLEY, SUNDAY AUGUST 7, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1430 GMTSo just who is Sir Alex Ferguson trying to kid?
The Manchester United manager claims this year's Community Shield clash, which his team are so accustomed to being involved in, is just like any other pre-season game and vowed not to alter his preparations for the new season.
Ferguson played down the significance of the traditional new season curtain-raiser, and was quick to say: "I've always viewed the Community Shield as a stepping stone to the first game of the season.
"It's easy to get emotional about this kind of game - but I don't think we will be changing our policy."
There's no doubt, though, this 'derby' has a spicier than normal edge when the two big Manchester rivals lock horns at Wembley.
First and foremost it provides the red half of Manchester an early opportunity to avenge last season's FA Cup semi-final defeat against Roberto Mancini's side, which opened up the path towards ending the mega-rich's club's 35-year trophy drought.
But even more significant is with the Premier League title to defend, Ferguson will be anxious not to give their bitter rivals any added hope of an improvement on their own impressive third placed finish last term.
Both teams though will be looking to earn the bragging rights here and steal a march when the serious stuff begins.
You wouldn't expect anything else as far - especially as far as dealing with their noisy neighbours when Ferguson is involved.
Key Match-Up: Wayne Rooney v Vincent Kompany: These two were involved in a real battle last season. At times Rooney came out on top, including his memorable overhead kick winner, while on others occasions it was Kompany who got the better of the striker by blunting him out. But with Rooney looking sharp in recent weeks, in stark contrast to this time last year, the highly-rated Belgian defender will have his hands full with the England man.
Form Guide: Both teams ended last season in fine fettle - and have begun in similar fashion. Defending Premier League champions Manchester United have yet to lose in pre-season and scored goals for fun in their tour of America. Manchester City, who were also in fine form in USA, sent a statement of intent after a comprehensive win over Inter Milan saw them win the Dublin Super Cup.
Odds: Manchester United 5/4, Manchester City 11/5, Draw 9/4
MANCHESTER UNITED:
Ferguson accepts Manchester City have emerged as the latest rivals to his side's Premier League crown.
The veteran Scot, who clinched a record-breaking 19th league title at Old Trafford last term, said: "We have expected that for a year or so with that particular facet of that club who have the money to spend.
"I thought they may have spent more this summer and it may still happen that they sign a couple of more players.
"But we get this almost every year as clubs around us buy.
"That's how you view the importance of winning this league nowadays. Chelsea had a great spell when Jose Mourinho first went there.
"We accepted that challenge and it's good for us as it keep the complacency away from the door. So we carry on the best we can."
He added: "If you look at the Premier League you are looking at the top six fighting for the top four.
"That can only add to the excitement of the Premier League, which I think is the best product in the game now for excitement."
With Javier Hernandez sidelined, Dimitar Berbatov is in contention to start alongside Rooney.
The Bulgarian's future had been thrown into doubt after losing his place at the end of last season and he was omitted from Ferguson's plans for the Champions League final against Barcelona.
But after Berbatov was linked with a move to big-spending French side PSG, Ferguson has rubbished claims his striker's days are numbered with the Red Devils.
He added: "It's nonsense. There's absolutely no interest or has there been encouragement from us either."
Strategy: Expect another tight game again between these two rivals. Ferguson will know his side never got going in their FA Cup semi-final loss and won't want a repeat here. But with Hernandez unavailable, expect Rooney to play further up the field where he will have to alter his tendency to drop deep to pick up possession.
Injury Update: Hernandez (concussion) is out for another three weeks and he will be joined on the sidelines at Wembley by Michael Carrick (Achilles). Rafael is not expected to feature while Darren Fletcher and Antonio Valencia, who are nearing fitness, won't be rushed back.
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