Football is back! Manchester United and Manchester City lock horns at Wembley

Football returns! Man City vs. Man United in the FA Community Shield. Key players, transfers, and injuries set the stage for an epic season opener.

Manchester United and Manchester City will contest the Community Shield on Saturday at the Wembley Stadium, who will come out tops? (Photo credit: BBC)

Good people of the world! Wherever you are, it's a good day and an exciting time for lovers of the beautiful game; football is back! In case you missed the first announcement, football is back!

The two sides of Manchester will go head-to-head on Saturday to contest the customary curtain-raiser for a new season, the FA Community Shield. The showdown between last season’s league champions and the winners of the FA Cup will take center stage at Wembley.

Going into this match, both teams aren't exactly in a good place; Manchester United hasn't had a good preseason due to injuries and form issues, and their city rivals have to deal with transfer rumors surrounding their goalkeeper Ederson and the departing Julian Alvarez.

Make no mistakes. City cannot complain about Alvarez’s decision to leave as it leaves them £80 million richer, with Atletico Madrid showing up big with the money for the Argentine. Pep Guardiola looks heartbroken, but he must now enter the market if he feels a need for a replacement.

Due to injuries, Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund are unavailable for Manchester United, leaving the Red Devils thin at the back and somewhat short upfront.

Who are the players that either team will count on? The ageing Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will stay at Manchester City despite huge offers from the oil-rich Arabian Gulf; however, he should also be ready for bit-part roles this season considering his fitness challenges for two seasons now.

Phil Foden is the main man in the Manchester City midfield now. He had a difficult Euro campaign, but he is expected to dust that off as the new season starts. Some youngsters, such as James McAtee and Oscar Bobb, will play interesting roles for City this season; both should play in the Shield game.

Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Traore are the new lights in the Manchester United fold. With United struggling to find a balance in the middle of the park, Mainoo stepped up, and he has now made the shirt his own.

Manchester City remains most people’s favorite to win the league again, which would be the fifth in a row, but can Manchester United join the contenders? Marcus Rashford and Antony have both taken to the press to share their optimism ahead of the new season. Will they come good this season?