Tiger King couldn't help but feel a bit amused—and slightly exasperated. Of all the possible opponents for the Community Shield, it had to be the same team they just faced in a friendly. What were the odds?
Woodward had a simple explanation: "This friendly was scheduled back in April. Who could have predicted that Wigan Athletic would go on to win the FA Cup?"
Standing on the sidelines at Wembley, surrounded by a roaring crowd, Tiger King should have been fired up. But instead, the match still felt like a glorified friendly to him. He struggled to shake off the feeling that the intensity just wasn't there.
Tiger King knew how to get his players fired up, and before the Community Shield final, he delivered a passionate speech that left no doubt—this was their first chance to make a statement. This was about setting the tone for the season.
For the match against Wigan Athletic, Tiger King stuck with the lineup that would predominantly be the major line-up for the next season. His 4-4-2 formation had been drilled to near perfection in pre-season, and now, it was time to execute:
Goalkeeper: David de Gea
Defense: Virgil van Dijk, Rio Ferdinand, Marcos Alonso, Rafael
Midfield: N'Golo Kanté, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Nani
Forwards: Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie
Manchester United had spent pre-season fine-tuning their approach, embracing fast counterattacks, wide play, and disciplined defensive structure. Tiger King reinforced Sir Alex Ferguson's aggressive, high-intensity style while adding his own tactical tweaks.
One of his biggest decisions had been the deployment of N'Golo Kanté as the midfield's enforcer. His tireless work rate allowed the wingers to push forward, while his tenacious tackling kept the opposition from advancing. With Carrick orchestrating from deep and Giggs supplying creativity, United had both steel and finesse in midfield.
A Dream Start
From the opening whistle, United played with intensity, pressing high and forcing Wigan into mistakes. It took just five minutes for the breakthrough.
Ryan Giggs, the ageless magician, found space on the left. With a glance up, he sent a perfectly weighted 45-degree cross into the box. Robin van Persie timed his run to perfection, rising above the defenders and powering a header past the helpless Wigan goalkeeper.
1-0, Manchester United!
The United fans erupted in celebration, their voices echoing across Wembley. It was the perfect start, and Tiger King nodded approvingly from the touchline.
Total Domination
Wigan tried to regroup, but they were suffocated by United's relentless pressing. Nani was electric down the right flank, twisting defenders inside out, while Rafael overlapped dangerously. Every time Wigan attempted to build an attack, Kanté was there, intercepting passes and disrupting their rhythm.
United's control paid off again in the second half. In the 64th minute, Kanté stole possession deep in midfield and immediately shifted the ball to Carrick. The experienced playmaker wasted no time, threading an inch-perfect pass between Wigan's center-backs.
Van Persie burst through, took one touch to set himself, and rifled a shot into the bottom corner. The ball nestled in the net before the goalkeeper could react.
2-0, Manchester United!
The Wembley crowd roared, knowing the match was all but sealed. Wigan's shoulders dropped—they had no answers for United's dominance.
Tiger King's First Trophy
As the final whistle blew, Tiger King clenched his fists in triumph. His first competitive match as Manchester United manager had ended in victory, and he had secured his first piece of silverware.
The Community Shield might not be the most prestigious trophy, but it was a statement. United were here to win.
With the Premier League season just days away, Tiger King was already looking ahead. This was just the beginning—his team, his philosophy, and his ambition were about to take center stage.
The real battle was about to begin.