By Steven Oldham, Chief Sports Correspondent
Ahead of today’s Community Shield Final at Wembley, MM gives both halves of Manchester the chance to tell us their thoughts on the game and look ahead to the new Premier League season…
UNITED:
Garry Grindley is 49 and from Stockport. He is a self-employed painter and decorator and has supported United all his life.
“I reckon we’ve got a good chance tomorrow. Normally the Community Shield doesn’t matter so much but with it being a derby game against City it become more important. We definitely don’t want to lose against them again.”
“I’m pretty happy with the signings Fergie has brought in – Ashley Young is a proven player and he should be putting balls in for the strikers from out wide. Phil Jones looks solid at the back and the new keeper De Gea seems to have a good reputation – he has got big boots to fill though, Edwin Van Der Sar has proved himself to be world class over the past few seasons.”
“We’ll definitely miss Paul Scholes – I’m not sure who can step up and replace him, maybe Michael Carrick – but he has dodgy games sometimes, he’s inconsistent.”
“I think we’ll win the league again this season. It will probably be Chelsea and City chasing us again. I don’t think Arsenal and Liverpool will challenge for the title this year.”
“I don’t like saying it, but City are a good team. Aguero especially looks a good signing. Balotelli needs to stop being a mardarse though and let his playing do the talking.”
Garry’s final score prediction: 2-1 United
CITY:
Jim Bowman is 36 and from Ancoats. He works in telesales and says he has supported City since ‘he was in his mother’s womb’.
“The Community Shield is ours.We’ve got a taste for trophies now after winning the FA Cup. Just like in the semis of that competition, it’ll be sweeter by beating that lot from Old Trafford.
“I reckon we can push for the title this year. Mancini is a genius and he knows how to beat any team. The signing’s he’s made have been great too – Aguero is class, Clichy is a Premier League winner and Savic is one for the future.”
“I like Balotelli but he needs to shut his mouth. He’s great for you journos with a quote but saying he doesn’t like Manchester is not going to do him any favours in the stands. It’s the same with Tevez – good as they are, I don’t want them here if they don’t want to be.”
“I’ve heard some people knocking Mancini for letting Shay Given leave, but we’ve got Stuart Taylor who’s more than capable if Joe Hart gets injured. One player I would like to see the back of, for mine and his own good, is Shaun Wright-Phillips. He hardly plays so there’s no point him being here.”
“We’ve definitely overtaken Arsenal and Liverpool on merit in the past couple of seasons. The title is coming to Manchester – and I don’t mean to Old Trafford.”
Jim’s final score prediction: 3-0 City
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