Overview
Almost three months after the FA Cup final, Manchester City and Manchester United are set to face each other once again to compete for another title. This time, it will be the English Super Cup 2024-2025.
In their last meeting, Man United emerged as the winner. History also favors "The Red Devils" as Man City has failed in all three of their recent English Super Cup matches. However, considering the current strength of both teams, Man City is still considered to be stronger.
Both Manchester representatives have had an uneventful pre-season. For Man United, they started training early and played many friendly matches. However, Erik ten Hag's team only won two matches and lost three in the series of friendly matches. Not only did they have poor results, but two of their key players, Ramus Hojlund and Leny Yoro, are also injured and will certainly miss the match against Man City.
The injury to Hojlund and the new signing Zirkzee's lack of time to adapt has left Ten Hag struggling to choose a striker. Their midfield is also facing problems as Casemiro has been struggling with his form since last season.
Many of Man United's key players, such as Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw, have only just returned after a break and have not had the best preparation. Therefore, despite training early, Man United has not yet been able to overcome their existing problems. One of the few bright spots is the good form of Amad Diallo and Mason Mount in the friendly matches.
On the other side, Man City started training relatively late. Therefore, it is understandable that Guardiola's team did not have the best preparation, as evidenced by their loss in 3/4 friendly matches in the US.
The defense is a clear problem for Man City as they conceded at least two goals per match during their summer tour. The young players of The Citizens have not yet been able to take on the roles left by their seniors. If key defenders like Stones, Dias, or Akanji are unable to return, that will be a headache for Guardiola.
Compared to their opponents, Man City has more absent key players due to the post-EURO and Copa America 2024 break. Therefore, Guardiola also does not have his best players for the upcoming match.
However, Man City has a clear system and formation, so they will not take long to "warm up". With their high form during the summer tour, Erling Haaland is expected to be the key to helping Man City defeat Man United.
Expected Lineup:
Man City: Ortega, Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden, Silva, Doku, Haaland.
Man United: Onana, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mainoo, Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford.
The match between Man City vs Man United will take place at 21h00 on August 10 (Vietnam time).
