Red warning

Sunday, 07/08/2011

Manchester United blasted out a warning to the rest of the Premier League by beating rivals City in the Community Shield.

Two-nil down at Wembley after the first 45 minutes, Sir Alex Ferguson's side stormed back to win 3-2.

Man of the Match Nani got two of their goals after defender Chris Smalling had started their comeback.

Nani's match-winning goal in time added on was a worth winner. As players flagged with their energy drained, Nani showed one final burst of speed and then rounded keeper Joe Hart to slot home.

Defender Joleon Lescott's header had given City the lead and striker Edin Dzeko made it 2-0 with a long-range effort which keeper David De Gea should have stopped.

City had gone into their two-goal lead despite United having much the better of the first 20 minutes. City then had a spell where they dominated the game before United came back again in a pulsating fixture punctuated by yellow cards.

But once again the Champions showed they should never be written off with Nani, new boy Ashley Young and the livewire Wayne Rooney looking continuously dangerous.

Smalling, playing out of position at right back, not only scored, but also proved that he could be useful for Fergie in more than just one role.

New signing Phil Jones came on with confidence and two United players out on loan last year - midfielder Tom Cleverley and striker Danny Welbeck - showed the type of commitment that will have their boss and the team's fans eagerly awaiting the new season.

The result in a match which was contested as a proper fixture rather than a pre-season warm-up will also flag up warning signs to the rest of the Premier League that United have even more strength in depth and retain that burning desire to win everything before them.

• 

• Have your say