With the Premier League season set to kick off this weekend, two title-winning clubs had their big day out at Wembley to make final preparations. The FA Community Shield pitted league champions Leicester City against FA Cup winners Manchester United, with both teams vying for the first piece of silverware available in the 2016-17 season.
While some may deride the importance of winning the Community Shield, it serves as great preparation for the upcoming campaign and is certainly a game that teams will strive to participate in.
Here are three thoughts from an entertaining and thrilling affair between the Foxes and the Red Devils.
Ibra Finds The Winner With Late Drama
One of the biggest moves of the summer transfer period featured Swedish international forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Old Trafford.
With a legendary scoring record during his four years in the Ligue 1, he is expected to bring more of the same to the Premier League.
In the 83rd minute of the game against Leicester City, Antonio Valencia lofted a cross into a dangerous area, and Ibra was able to bag the winner. Perhaps a tad offside but able to find a crucial winning moment, Manchester United supporters will be hoping for more of the same when the season kicks off.
Jesse Lingard Steals The Show But Leaves Injured
Midfielder Jesse Lingard got the start in an advanced role and made a statement late in the first half, finding the first goal of an eventual 2-1 United victory.
Gaining possession of the ball near midfield in the 32nd minute, the 23-year-old dazzled and dribbled his way through several defenders and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
It was an excellent sequence from a player trying to solidify his place in Mourinho’s lineup, but his day did not end the way he wanted.
Subbed off for Juan Mata in the second half with a foot injury, Manchester United and Lingard hope he does not miss too much time to start the Premier League season.
Mahrez Staying But Leicester Still Getting Into Gear
2015-16 Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez looks set to remain at Leicester, but the Foxes still look stuck in pre-season form. The Algerian international struggled to connect passes throughout, and the squad did not find many scoring opportunities.
New defensive midfielder Nampalys Mendy came on in the second half and is still looking to cement his expected role as N’Golo Kante’s replacement.
Leicester was able to show their trademark ability to fight and remain in contention, though, thanks to a quick reaction from Jamie Vardy to jump on a poor pass from United midfielder Marouane Fellaini and get the equalizing goal.
It will certainly be difficult to live up to last season’s accomplishments, but Leicester will need their new players to gel early to be successful.
It is always tricky to put too much stock into a Community Shield game due to its low importance in competitive terms.
But Manchester United showed excellent signs of what could be a successful campaign in 2016-17.