3 non-negotiable starters for Man United vs Man City in Community Shield

Man United's season will officially begin when they meet with their local rivals Man City in the long-awaited Community Shield. It is essentially a repeat of the FA Cup final, which Man United won to secure their spot in this fixture.

Erik ten Hag is aware of the opportunity to start the season fresh with silverware. Man United is a gigantic club with a great history, their impressive trophy cabinet personifying their club size. To beat their local rivals to another trophy in the space of a few months would truly prove to be a turning point.

So, without further ado, here are 3 non-negotiable starters for Man United as Erik ten Hag plots his starting lineup vs Man City...

3 non-negotiable starters for Man United vs Man City in Community Shield

1. Jadon Sancho

It remains to be seen what lies ahead for Jadon Sancho's future. His row with Erik ten Hag earlier in the season needs no introduction to Man United fans. As things stand, though, Jadon Sancho is a Man United player and after apologising to Erik ten Hag, there does not appear to be bad-blood between the two of them.

Given Man United's injury crisis, Jadon Sancho has emerged into a non-negotiable starter for Man United vs Man City. He could play out on the left or even up front, if Erik ten Hag deems it necessary.

Jadon Sancho has made a name for himself in his career for his incredible wide-play. The Englishman is rapid, both with and without the ball. So, this could be excellently utilised by Erik ten Hag as he hopes to beat Man City yet again at Wembley Stadium.

Besides, who knows what a great performance in the Community Shield could do for Jadon Sancho and his Man United career... It certainly won't hurt anyone, right?

2. Lisandro Martinez

No rest for the wicked.

Lisandro Martinez is still fresh from winning the Copa America with Argentina. However, given Man United's injury crisis at the back, he is rendered as their only fit centre-back. Therefore, any hopes that Erik ten Hag may have had about resting Lisandro Martinez must surely now be ignored.

The Butcher simply has to start. He is Man United's strongest possible option at centre-back at the best of times, let alone given the current injury crisis.

If anyone is able to prevent Erling Haaland from getting on the score-sheet, like he is so accustomed to doing, then it's the Man United man. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in tenacity, speed and strength. He will certainly make life difficult for Haaland the other Man City attackers in the Community Sheild.

3. Casemiro

Casemiro might not be everyone's cup of tea. In fact, there were even some claims that he should consider leaving Man United towards the end of last season, amid concerns over his ability to carry the weight of the jersey.

But make no mistake about it, Casemiro is the most experienced player in the Man United roster when it comes to big games like this. The Community Shield will feel tiny for Casemiro, who is used to playing in Champions League finals with Real Madrid. His killer mentality and desire to win trophies can only mean positive outcomes for Man United.

Particularly with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes still feeling the effects of EURO 2024 this summer, Casemiro's involvement in the starting lineup has only become more important. While he is still a Man United player, Erik ten Hag must capitalise on his experience on the big stage.

What is your Man United lineup vs Man City in the Community Shield?