The Community Shield, traditionally known as the Charity Shield, marks the curtain-raiser for the English football season. It pits the previous season’s Premier League champions against the FA Cup winners.
Manchester United, have won the Community Shield a record number of times and play in this year’s match at Wembley Stadium against local rivals Manchester City. We take a look back at famous Community Shield matches featuring Manchester United.
1967: Manchester United 3 – 3 Tottenham Hotspur
This match is particularly notable for being the first Charity Shield to be broadcast live on television. Held at Old Trafford, the game ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
George Best, one of United’s legendary players, scored in this match, demonstrating his exceptional skill and flair. Although there was no outright winner, this match set the tone for the entertainment value the Community Shield could offer.
1977: Manchester United 0 – 0 Liverpool
A match that remains etched in the memories of fans not just for the football but for the infamous pre-match scuffle. Manchester United and Liverpool are arch-rivals, and this encounter was more about pride than the silverware.
The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with both teams sharing the trophy. The tension and fierce competition underscored the intense rivalry that characterises the North-West derby.
1993: Manchester United 1 – 1 Arsenal (United won 5-4 on penalties)
This match marked Manchester United’s return to prominence after winning their first league title in 26 years the previous season. The game against Arsenal ended 1-1, with goals from Eric Cantona and Ian Wright. United triumphed 5-4 on penalties. This victory was a harbinger of United’s dominance throughout the 1990s under Sir Alex Ferguson.
2010: Manchester United 3 – 1 Chelsea
Manchester United met Chelsea again in the 2010 Community Shield. Goals from Antonio Valencia, Javier Hernández, and Dimitar Berbatov secured a 3-1 victory for United.
This match was notable for being Javier Hernández’s first major competitive match for United, and he marked it with a goal, endearing himself to the fans.
2016: Manchester United 2 – 1 Leicester City
The 2016 Community Shield featured Premier League champions Leicester City against FA Cup winners Manchester United. Nobody in the world of sports betting could’ve predicted Leicester’s incredible Premier League title win in the 2015/16 season.
United emerged victorious in the Community Shield, however, with a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Jesse Lingard and Zlatan Ibrahimović. This match was particularly significant as it marked José Mourinho’s first competitive match in charge of United, setting a positive tone for his tenure.
