Manchester United were beaten during a penalty shootout by Manchester City in the Community Shield to kick off the 2024/25 campaign.
Erik ten Hag may be disappointed with the outcome but should not be disheartened with the performance as they created big chances, but were unable to take them.
While players are still getting their fitness levels back to match sharpness, it was made clear who should be starting up top in their Premier League opener vs. Fulham on Friday night.
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Garnacho — Fernandes — Amad
While this front three would see Bruno Fernandes play out of his preferred role behind the striker, he's played exceptionally well as a false nine when asked to and his link-up play was on show in the Community Shield.
Garnacho has proven over the last 12 months that he is not a one-trick pony on the left as he has made the right his own. Although he went to the Copa America, he only played 66 minutes for Argentina and should be relatively well-rested ahead of the new season.
His goal against Pep Guardiola's side demonstrated just that as he picked up where he left off at the home of football.
Roy Keane, former Man United captain, was extremely positive about the youngster, who scored United's goal vs. City: "I tell you what all the really good players do. The really, really good players impact the game and every time he’s on the football pitch he has an impact, he does something. He cuts in, lovely little finish. When he comes onto the pitch I kind of expect this from him now.
"You knew he was going to create something. You knew he was going to have an effect. If you’re a defender you do not want to mark him because he will run at you, he will try something, he will create problems."
Amad Diallo has been a player fans have been begging to see more of since his exhilarating winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup at Old Trafford.
He started at Wembley and was a constant threat down the right. However, he really should have scored had he not played too many passes in the box.
MORE: Rashford will score goals - Ten Hag
Marcus Rashford had a disappointing game and should have found the back of the net on two occasions. It's a huge season for the Englishman, who struggled massively last year, but right now United have two more in-form players.
Another candidate for a starting position could be Jadon Sancho. However, his return turned into a bit of a nightmare when his penalty was saved by Ederson in front of the traveling United support.
Ten Hag was asked for his verdict on the missed penalty in his post-match press conference. The Dutchman said: "He’s a very good penalty taker and I had — and have — no doubts to let him score a penalty. Also in the future, he will take penalties."
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