Carrick a surprise inclusion for United
Michael Carrick is a shock starter for Manchester United in today’s Community Shield at Wembley.
England midfielder Carrick was ruled out for a fortnight by United boss Alex Ferguson just two days ago and, although he did train yesterday, his selection against Chelsea was a huge surprise.
Michael Owen starts alongside Wayne Rooney in what was his first competitive appearance since injuring his hamstring at the same venue in February’s Carling Cup final.
Owen last week hinted the much maligned Wembley pitch may have been to blame for the problem, and the surface was duly reinforced last month with synthetic fibres.
In a move which summed up his relaxed attitude towards this afternoon’s fixture, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti named his starting XI days ago.
Hilario gets the nod in goal, Branislav Ivanovic partners John Terry at the back, while Didier Drogba is only the bench.
Chelsea: Hilario, Paulo Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Essien, Lampard, Mikel, Kalou, Anelka, Malouda.
Subs: Turnbull, Benayoun, Drogba, Zhirkov, Sturridge, Van Aanholt, Bruma.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, O’Shea, Jonathan Evans, Vidic, Fabio Da Silva, Valencia, Scholes, Carrick, Park, Owen, Rooney.
Subs: Kuszczak, Berbatov, Giggs, Smalling, Hernandez, Nani, Fletcher.
Referee: Andre Marriner.
