Your essential guide to the Community Shield

Following our triumph over the Blues back in May in the Emirates FA Cup final, and their Premier League success, this bout will be a re-run of that memorable day and the third Manchester derby to occur at Wembley in just over a year.

Our opponents this weekend were defeated in last year's edition of the fixture, that time against Arsenal, on penalties.

Keep scrolling to find out everything you need to know about the upcoming clash...

HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW

The season opener is being broadcast live on ITV 1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in the United Kingdom, with kick-off set for 15:00 BST.

However, you can join us for MUTV's Matchday Live from 13:55 BST for exclusive match build-up, interviews and team news ahead of the encounter.

Once the referee has opened proceedings, you can stick with MUTV for our live radio commentary from the capital or, alternatively, follow along with live updates, data and interactive content on ManUtd.com and in the United App.

TEAM NEWS

Our Stateside pre-season tour provided helpful preparation for the travelling squad but Erik ten Hag's side did land back in Manchester with a couple of names added to the injury list.

New signing Leny Yoro picked up an unfortunate foot injury in our friendly against Arsenal in Los Angeles. Thankfully, the surgery he required has been successfully completed, but it means his introduction to competitive action for the Reds is set to be delayed by around three months.

United have also suffered setbacks in the frontline while across the pond. In that same game against the Gunners, striker Rasmus Hojlund went down not long after netting the game's first goal and had to be withdrawn.

That pair join Tyrell Malacia in the treatment room as he continues his recovery from long-term injury.

Saturday's game could present the first chance to see the recently arrived Joshua Zirkzee turn out for United, but further team news is expected to be delivered by Ten Hag in the pre-match press conference later this week.

Other than Rodri, who is yet to return to the pitch since he was withdrawn at half-time for Spain as they defeated England in the Euro 2024 final, our opponents look to be heading to Wembley with a clean bill of health. Ederson, however, has also been flagged as a potential doubt. Like Ten Hag, any fresh squad updates could be delivered by City boss Pep Guardiola beforehand.

ROUTE TO THE COMMUNITY SHIELD

The Reds have earned the shot at early silverware this season thanks to our victory over City in May's FA Cup final. Only the second-ever Manchester derby in the finale of the historical competition, 12 months on from the first, the trophy, pride and revenge were all on the line.

Ten Hag's side dealt with that pressure expertly, with first-half goals from Academy duo Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo enough to overcome Jeremy Doku's late strike.

United know all about late drama from that cup run, with Amad's last-gasp winner in extra-time of our quarter-final clash against Liverpool taking on even more importance in light of the Reds' ultimate triumph in the competition. The run also saw us advance past Wigan Athletic, Newport County, Nottingham Forest and Coventry City.

The other slot in the Community Shield is filled by the winners of the Premier League, which last season was our FA Cup final opponents, City. The tussle for the title went right down to the final day with Arsenal, but the Blues ended the season on top again.

HISTORY IN THE SHIELD

United have a strong history in the competition, dating back to our first appearance in 1908 against Queens Park Rangers. We most recently fought for the honour in 2016 against Leicester City, with goals from Jesse Lingard and Zlatan Ibrahimovic enough to give us the victory on that day.

We have met our crosstown rivals twice before when battling for the shield, the first in 1956. Fans had to wait until 2011 for the match-up to occur again, when three second-half goals from Chris Smalling and Nani (2) proved enough to turnaround City's two-goal lead at half time.

On both occasions, the honours travelled back to the red half of town, a record United will be working hard to uphold on Saturday.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: John Brooks
Assistant Referees: Adrian Holmes, Nick Greenhalgh
Fourth Official: Jarred Gillett
Reserve Assistant Referee: Craig Taylor
VAR: Peter Bankes
Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis
Support VAR: Tim Robinson