Manchester United’s Andre Onana brought an unexpected flair to the Community Shield penalty shootout, creating quite a spectacle with his antics that even had Manchester City’s Erling Haaland laughing.
The match, a thrilling 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium, saw United’s Bruno Fernandes have a goal disallowed for offside and Marcus Rashford hit the post before Alejandro Garnacho finally put them ahead in the 82nd minute with a precise finish. However, City’s Bernardo Silva equalized just before stoppage time with a header, sending the game to penalties.
With no extra time in the Community Shield, the match went directly to a shootout. United had a 3-1 lead in the shootout, thanks to Onana’s save against Bernardo Silva. As Haaland prepared to take his penalty, Onana decided to up the psychological warfare. He shouted what seemed to be “big man” at Haaland, trying to distract him as he positioned himself to the left, inviting Haaland to aim right.
Haaland, unfazed and smiling, expertly sent the ball to the left side of the goal, leaving Onana scrambling. The Norwegian striker’s reaction was a chuckle as he jogged back, clearly amused by Onana’s attempts at mind games.
Despite Onana’s efforts, it was Haaland who had the last laugh. Jadon Sancho missed his penalty, and Jonny Evans’ effort soared over the bar during sudden death. Manuel Akanji, who had famously missed a crucial penalty at Euro 2024, redeemed himself by scoring the decisive penalty, securing a 7-6 victory for City in the shootout.
As the Community Shield concludes, both teams shift focus to the Premier League. Erik ten Hag’s United will host Fulham on Friday night, while Pep Guardiola’s City will travel to Chelsea on Sunday.
