United, Man City in big Wembley clash

LONDON (AP):

After a double dose of Wembley woes last season, Manchester United return to the scene of setbacks against Barcelona and Manchester City to start the new season today against its local rivals in the Community Shield.

City beat United in an FA Cup semi-final in April before going on to end its 35-year trophy drought and Barcelona inflicted a comprehensive defeat on Alex Ferguson's team in May.

While the Community Shield doesn't have the same 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.

The game will be a test for United with the squad recovering from its recent preseason tour of the United States and with some players on international duty, but the stakes are always high when the Manchester rivals meet.

"You couldn't get better motivation to start the season with a bang," United striker Wayne Rooney told Four Four Two magazine. "I hadn't even thought about it until I turned on the TV and someone was talking about potentially the best Community Shield ever. Playing City is the best way to start."

Ferguson, though, is downplaying the importance of the fixture.

Stepping stone

"It's very easy to get emotional about this type of game," Ferguson said. "I don't think we'll be changing our policy. I've always viewed the Community Shield as a stepping stone for the first game of the season and there are two or three players who will need a game (to boost fitness levels)."

Michael Carrick is set to miss the match after picking up a minor Achilles' injury in retired goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar's testimonial match on Wednesday.

Mexico striker Javier Hernandez will miss the start of the league season as a precaution after he was hospitalised for a concussion sustained during a training session during the US tour.

"Considering he had a concussion some years ago we are just playing safe with that but he should be back by the end of August," Ferguson said.

Former United striker Carlos Tevez - last season's top scorer for City - will be missing today as he recovers from the Copa America.

But on the bench will be US$62 million transfer Sergio Aguero, who joined City as a ready-made replacement for Tevez.

"Because of the particular facet of the club, that they have the money to spend, I thought maybe they would spend more this summer and that may still happen, they may still sign a couple more players," Ferguson said. "We get this almost every year when clubs round about us buy, and that's how you view the importance of winning the league these days.

"Chelsea had this great spell of buying when Jose (Mourinho) first went there and we accepted that challenge. It's good to accept challenges, it keeps the complacency away from your door and we carry on as best as we can."

While the Premier League season doesn't start for another week, the 72 clubs below the top flight are back in action this weekend.