Man Utd & Man City learn kick-off time for opening game of 2024/25 season

Manchester United and Manchester City will begin the new top-flight campaign on 10 August, when they face off in the 2024 Community Shield.

While the date for the match had been confirmed weeks ago, the kick-off time was not announced. Both sets of fans had called for a 3pm start at Wembley due to the travel logistics of coming from Manchester, and the FA have granted that request.

English football’s governing body confirmed on Wednesday that the annual curtain raiser will kick-off at 3pm, and will be shown live in the UK on ITV.

The 3pm selection will particularly appease City fans, many of whom boycotted last year’s game against Arsenal due to the kick-off time, which was selected at 4pm on a Sunday. Supporters also had to endure a complicated trip to Wembley for the 2022 FA Cup-semi finals, which took place in the capital despite no direct trains running on the day between Manchester and London.

The 2024 Community Shield pits Premier League champions City against FA Cup winners United, with the latter collecting their silverware thanks to May’s victory over Pep Guardiola’s side in the final. It’s the first time a Manchester derby has been played in the Community Shield since 2011, when United came from two goals down to win 3-2, but it’s the third time in just over 14 months that the clubs have faced each other at Wembley.

The Red Devils last lifted the Community Shield in 2016 when Jose Mourinho was manager, while serial competitors City have endured a difficult run over recent years. The Blues have lost the last four finals, and last lifted the trophy in 2019.

City then begin the Premier League season a week later with a trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday 18 August, while United kick things off two days before when they host Fulham.