Manchester United’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City will serve as motivation for the upcoming season, according to Erik Ten Hag. The Red Devils lost 7-6 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regular time. Ten Hag wants his players to “feel the pain” of the loss and use it as fuel to drive them forward.

Alejandro Garnacho’s 82nd-minute goal had given United a 1-0 lead, but Bernardo Silva’s equalizing header in the 89th minute sent the match to a penalty shootout. Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans missed their penalties, ultimately costing United the title.

Despite the defeat, Ten Hag remained positive, highlighting the positives from the match. “We performed well, we could’ve won this game, we were twice leading in the game and in the penalties, but we lost and we’re disappointed,” he said. “But we take the positives.”

Ten Hag also expressed confidence in Marcus Rashford, who missed two golden opportunities in regular time. “I think he was several times in very good positions,” Ten Hag said. “I’m very pleased he is getting in those positions, because I know with Rasmus [Hojlund], keep going, keep making those movements and the team will make those movements, he will score goals.”

For City, manager Pep Guardiola was cautious in his assessment of the win, refusing to attribute it to his side’s hunger for a fifth Premier League title. “I would like to answer yes, but I don’t know,” he said. “Not for the fact that we scored with a minute left at the end of the game. Arsenal did it last season and won on penalties, last season we lost.”

The match was a thrilling encounter, with both sides creating numerous chances. In the end, City’s experience in high-pressure situations paid off, as they held their nerve to win the penalty shootout.

As United look to bounce back from this defeat, Ten Hag’s message to his players is clear: use the pain of this loss to drive you forward and make a strong push for the Premier League title.

For Guardiola, the win is a welcome start to the season, but he knows that there is still much work to be done if City are to achieve their goals.

The two teams will now turn their attention to the Premier League season, which kicks off on Friday night. United will face Fulham, while City take on Brighton.