Alejandro Garnacho's 82nd-minute goal was cancelled out by Bernardo Silva's late equaliser which took the Community Shield to it's second penalty shootout in a row.
Johnny Evans skied his effort from the spot which resulted in the key moment as Manuel Akanji smashed his ball into the roof of the net, seeing the blue side of Manchester lift the shield for the first time since 2019.
Despite some thinking this traditional game is a glorified friendly, it was a good chance for both sides to see where they are at before their league campaign starts.
Even though it resulted in a loss, Manchester United still had some good opportunities to take the lead early on plus plenty of other positives and thoughts to take away from Wembley Stadium.
Garnacho and Amad have to both start on the wing
Despite the fact they came on and off for each other, these two youngsters have surely boosted their starting places in United's Premier League opener to Fulham.
The Argentine and Ivorian both played on the right wing but just from previous seasons, it is clear that Garnacho is better on the left. Amad Diallo had another decent outing for the Reds as he created a few opportunities which included a cheeky one-two with Casemiro, only to add to his promising pre-season campaign the 22-year-old had.
Garnacho put the Reds in front with a clever worked finish on the right but has had many finishes from the left. If Erik Ten Hag plays these rising stars in the correct positions, United could have something special.
When Hojlund comes back, it will add to it and if they live up to expectations, United fans may have a front three which could echo up to Liverpool's Mane, Firmino and Salah from years gone by.
It's make-or-break time for Rashford
The man from Wythenshawe had a remarkable campaign in Ten Hag's opening season but last time out, inconsistency was the right word to describe Marcus Rashford.
In the Community Shield, the Englishman had some chances to put United in the lead. Casemiro played him through in the first half but Rashford placed his effort far too wide.
Then, in the second half, Garnacho swooped a low ball across and this time the 26-year-old hit the post with most of the goal to shoot at. Some golden opportunities were missed and truthfully all echoed his attempts from last season.
It must be said, you can often take pre-season and the Community Shield like a pinch of salt, but Rashford has not been on top form of late. He was not picked for the Euro 2024 England squad after a disappointing 23/24 campaign and has even been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer.
Truthfully he is unlikely to leave now, but if it is not a good season for this Man United player, there is an even bigger chance this one could be his last. It's a huge year in the career of Marcus Rashford.
United must take advantage of having Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee was signed from Bologna to the Theatre of Dreams this summer as Man United's first summer transfer. The striker was no doubt signed as a second or even competition for Rasmus Hojlund who didn't really have anyone like that last season.
With Hojlund getting injured in a pre-season friendly against Arsenal, most United fans expected to see Zirkzee in action at some point during the curtain raiser for the season against their city rivals. The Dutchman didn't even come on.
The Community Shield has always been known as a game when you first show off your new signings on the English stage but there was no sign of this one. Fernandes isn't a bad option to play in Zirkzee's position and did have a goal ruled out but if there is another player who is set to that position, Ten Hag should really play them.
The United boss did tell ITV Sport after the game state that "Zirkzee will need time to get used to his surroundings" but in reality, this is the perfect time to do it with no Hojlund. Will Zirkzee make an appearance against Fulham on Friday night?
Ten Hag must deliver early on
This was without question before pre-season had even started but the result against Man City would not be what the United boss would've wanted.
Ten Hag was given a new contract a couple of weeks after his FA Cup triumph against his Community Shield opponents which slashed all the odds.
It had been reported heavily before the cup final that the Dutchman would be sacked whatever the result which in the end proved not to be the case but it is ever so important now Manchester United get the perfect start in their Premier League campaign.
If United fail to do so, it could look bleak again for him again as he had rough speculation and a decisive fan base throughout the course of last season. Can the coach finally deliver on a consistent basis at Old Trafford? It's going to be the most crucial season for Erik Ten Hag and Manchester United.
