London, Aug 5: Manchester United returns to Wembley Stadium on Sunday to start the new season against Manchester City, the scene of its capitulation to Barcelona in the Champions League final in May.
Having just finished a preseason tour of the United States and with some players on international duty, there has hardly been time for the Red Devils to refresh since losing 3-1 to the Spanish champions.
But while the Community Shield doesn't have the same the magnitude or prestige, the English season's traditional curtain raiser is an early chance for the Premier League champions to assert their authority over resurgent City.
Roberto Mancini's side had a happier last visit to Wembley after ending a 35-year trophy drought by winning the FA Cup. AP
