There was plenty of evidence of Manchester United's new generation at Wembley on Sunday. With Paul Scholes and Gary Neville retired, Ashley Young, Nani and Chris Smalling provided a glimpse of the future.
In what was one of the most entertaining and dramatic Community Shields in memory, Manchester City also offered a sign of their potential ahead of what promises to be a tense and tight Premier League title race.
Here, Peter Fraser considers the five players who produced the most impressive performances in the season curtain-raiser, when United came from two goals down to claim a 3-2 injury-time victory.
Chris Smalling (7/10)
At 6ft 4in, the former Fulham centre-half is far from a natural right-back, but he performed the role as if he was a seasoned veteran. Smalling was even prepared to attack down the flanks and his back-heeled, flicked turn on Micah Richards in the second half was one that brought flashbacks of Cristiano Ronaldo. There is even an argument to suggest that Smalling could start the season at right-back, such was the impressive level of his performance both in defence and in attack. The 21-year-old's goal was a turning point.
Nani (8/10)
When he spent the opening minutes failing to control the ball and making a mess of shots, it appeared the Portuguese was ready for one of his frustrating days. But Nani seems to consistently be fulfilling his potential. His 18 assists were a vital ingredient of United's Premier League title success last season, but it was his goals that proved decisive at Wembley. His first was the finishing touch to a sublime team move involving build-up from Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck and the effective Wayne Rooney. His second was as important as the first was picturesque.
Ashley Young (7/10)
The England international is clearly determined to prove that he can become a star at the highest level. It has been questioned whether Young has the mentality to fulfil his potential, but he provided the complete performance against City. The ex-Aston Villa wide-man was a constant source of kinetic energy and a permanent out-ball for United. Young's timing and decision-making were close to perfection when opting to hug the touchline or cut inside. His set-piece delivery was also radar-accurate for Smalling's important first goal.
Joleon Lescott (7/10)
The City defender finished last season in fine form and, although he made a nervy start against United, he continued to impress. The centre-back looked anxious from kick-off and was at times chasing shadows amid the movement of Rooney and company in the opening minutes. But his goal was taken like a natural and he settled down after that moment. Lescott went on to save City with two well-timed tackles, particularly on Rooney, in the second half. Ultimately, he was let down by Vincent Kompany's uncharacteristic error
David Silva (7/10)
The Spaniard looks like he is going to be a superstar this season, having settled into life at City in the last campaign. Silva was Roberto Mancini's most dangerous player against United, as he drifted off the flanks and displayed brilliant vision and execution of pass. The former Valencia man is City's smartest attacking player and a first-half ball which dissected the United defence was only lacking a suitable finish from James Milner. Silva also provided Lescott's goal with a perfect cross.
Who do you think was the best player in the Community Shield? Leave a comment below.
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Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech believes it is hard to tell who will make Andre Villas Boas' first team of the season this weekend.
The Blues begin their Premier League campaign away to Stoke on Sunday, looking to improve after finishing nine points adrift of champions Manchester United last season.
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That was against Rangers in a 3-1 win on Saturday, as new manager Villas-Boas rotated the squad from the previous 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
Cech has started the majority of the pre-season games, but believes everyone has been given a chance.
He told his official website: "I think it's fair to say that each player was given more or less the same amount of time to impress, but it's hard to say who will be in the starting line-up against Stoke.
"Looking at who started on Saturday you cannot tell and the coaches still have this week to pick the best 11 players.
"We are glad to have won the last friendly too. In pre-season we won all fixtures and that is good for our psyche."
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Arsene Wenger insists there is 'no major problem' with Samir Nasri amid reports the midfielder could leave Arsenal before the start of the season.
Nasri has just one year remaining on his contract at Emirates Stadium and has been heavily linked with a move away from the Gunners.
Manchester United saw a bid for the France international rejected earlier this summer, while local rivals City have subsequently emerged as favourites to sign Nasri.
Captain Cesc Fabregas' future at Arsenal is also uncertain and Wenger recently called on the influential duo to show their commitment to the club.
The Gunners start the new Premier League season away to Newcastle United on Saturday and there have been claims that Fabregas and Nasri could both leave before the trip to St James' Park.
Speculation has also suggested that Fabregas and Nasri have been looking gloomy in training as Wenger tries to hang on to the pair.
But, speaking after a 2-1 friendly defeat by Benfica at the weekend, Wenger stressed there is no row with Nasri.
Wenger said in the Daily Express: "I cannot speak about it but there is no major problem between Samir and myself."
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Tottenham Hotspur are pushing ahead with a move for Lassana Diarra.
Harry Redknapp is a confirmed fan of the 26-year-old France international, who is on the fringes of Jose Mourinho's first-team squad at Real.
Spurs have made a move for Diarra, and are hopeful of agreeing terms with Real.
Diarra already has extensive experience of English football, having featured for Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth before his move to Spain in 2009.
Diarra has been linked with moves across Europe, but is reported to have told Real he would only consider a move back to England.
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Other news in brief;
- The FA has confirmed Tom Cleverley has been called into the England squad to face Holland after Jack Wilshere and Michael Carrick withdrew.
- Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has put pen-to-paper on his new long-term contract.
- Ashley Young admits Wesley Sneijder is a 'terrific player', but declined to comment on playing alongside him at Man Utd.
- Carlos Tevez is back in training with Manchester City after being granted extended leave and missing the Community Shield.
