Manchester United technically got their season underway over the weekend with a defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield Final, although the real action kicks off this Friday with their Premier League opener.
Indeed, the Red Devils started their term in the same place they ended 2023/2024: Wembley Stadium. And while they ultimately sustained a loss – via a penalty shootout – they’d have much rather reign victorious the way they did back in May than win the Charity Shield.
Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench in the closing stages of the tie to score United’s only goal of the game, with fans confident it was a sign of what’s to come this term from the youngster following an emphatic sophomore year of senior football.
Yet, the Argentine’s contribution was counter-acted when Bernardo Silva beat makeshift right-back Facundo Pellistri to a header at the back post. Players – and supporters – were then spared the tedious half-hour of extra time and saw the result decided on spot-kicks.
City scored seven to United’s six to lift the silverware in London; Silva, Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans all missed their penalties before Manuel Akanji converted his.
Reacting to the game’s affairs on The Rest Is Football, Micah Richards was taken aback at Andre Onana’s antics during the shootout.
Onana raises eyebrows with bizarre penalty mind games
As Erling Haaland stepped up to place the ball in position, Onana stood on his line and signalled which way the forward should place his attempt, after which Haaland shot – and scored – in the opposite end of the net.
“What is he doing?!” Richards remarked. “I don’t mind the mind games, but if they don’t come off, they look stupid, don’t they?”
Gary Lineker chimed in: “It was quite funny because he [Onana] just started running across his line – and then dived away from where the ball was.”
Something tells us Erik ten Hag may be having a word with his goalkeeper after that one.
