Manchester United beats Chelsea 3-1, Winning Community Shield, Taking Season first Title

The prize itself was of little note but rivalry is inescapable for these clubs. If their minds were not on the Community Shield itself, each team must still be obsessed with the other. For Manchester United the motivation was particularly keen as they confronted opponents who took the Premier League and the FA Cup just a few months ago.

Sir Alex Ferguson's pleasure lay in more than just the score itself. He had, after all, watched Wayne Rooney create the opener, even if he is still without a goal since 30 March. The forward took an excellent long ball from Paul Scholes in the 41st minute and instantly set up Antonio Valencia to score.

United extended the lead in a fashion that will make the manager smile for more than one reason. The new recruit Javier Hernández came on as a substitute to convert a ball from Valencia, but found the net only after misconnecting with his foot and deflecting the delivery off his own head after 76 minutes. Ferguson will no doubt deduce that it was the mark of a natural scorer.

The match was an authentic struggle, particularly when Chelsea imposed themselves late in the afternoon. United did not secure the win until Dimitar Berbatov lofted a third goal in stoppage time following neat service from Nani.

Even so, Chelsea by then had become far more like their true selves. Edwin van der Sar pulled off a series of saves, but in the 83rd minute his block from Dean Sturridge left Salomon Kalou to knock home the ball. It is the measure of United's spirit that they reacted and extended the lead once more.

If there was any sign that this is merely a showpiece occasion it lay in the civility that ensured the referee Andre Marriner did not have to reach for a yellow card. That goodwill will not be seen in the clashes to come.

Any misgivings on Chelsea's part should lie with the concern that the campaign will take its toll on an ageing squad. Their manager Carlo Ancelotti can still be happy that his men had pride and, eventually, menace, but it was the exuberance of United that will be recalled.
Guardian.co.uk