Manchester United: Five Conclusions From Community Shield Win Over Chelsea

Manchester United sealed the deal with Dimitar Berbatov scoring in injury time for the Red Devils to snatch a 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday's Community Shield Match.

United dominated Chelsea with attacks in the first half. They finally scored a goal from United's Antonio Valencia before halftime. Chelsea's midfield was controlled by not Frank Lampard, but Michael Esssien and Paul Scholes from United's.

The second half saw a number of subs from both the sides but the happier manager was Sir Alex Ferguson. His two subs Chicharito Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov scored 2 more goals for United. Chelsea's only goal came from Saloman Kalou.

As United won the Community Shield, some truths became naked and clear out on Sunday which will leave its deep mark on the coming season of EPL 2010-11 for Manchester United and Chelsea.

1. Sir Alex has sound plan, but Ancelotti needs to rethink:

Sir Alex made two great subs who scored for United. Chicharito and Berbatov. Playing Nani brought pace and dimension to the game while addition of Fletcher in later stages added solid strength to anchoring the team.

Ancelotti failed in his subs with all turning up to nothing. Even the maestro Didier Drogba fell short. Chelsea lacked a good scorer and Kalou or late sub Sturridge were not up to the mark.

2. Paul Scholes will continue to be the heartthrob:

The aged man yet again showed why he is the man. Scholes was great in his ground where he pulled the strings together for United from defense to offense.

The Official Man of the Match created a great opportunity for scoring to Wayne Rooney which could not materialise and finally he assumed a more anchoring role in the centre of the park from where he controlled the gameplay of United.

Scholes was everywhere. From fine tackles to check opponents to beautiful passes to his teammates, he was wonderful to watch.

3. Chicharito will be the future face of United:  

Chicharito has impressed the world with his world cup performances in Mexico and now he has impressed the United fans with his pre-season matches.

The Little Pea scored a goal for United which came from United's winger Antonio Valencia. Though the goal may have looked comical as the ball hit his face from leg, it was his positioning which is praiseworthy. He has the good sense to be in the right place at the right time.

Chicharito also missed a good opportunity as Berbatov passed him the ball. He will become more dangerous with experience and maturity.

4. Michael Essien will be Chelsea's most important midfield player: 

Chelsea was just out of their good old form. The passes were messed up, the coordination all wrong and the movements sloppy at the goal. Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou showed glimpses of spark but all was for nothing. 

They could not evade a rock solid Van Der Saar.

However, the only man who emerged out of the ashes of a fragile Chelsea squad was Michael Essien. He did pull some wonderful long-range shots to the goal and added up to Chelsea attacks as well as covered the field to guard up their defense. Welcome back, Essien.

Was Frank Lampard even playing there?

5. Has Chelsea become too "Drogba-dependent"?

While people have repeatedly said of United's need of another striker to pair up with Rooney and thus take the heavy pressure off the sole good forward, it seemed like Chelsea is also feeling the same heat at the moment.

Anelka was sloppy, but good in some shots. Kalou is still not a number one choice. And Daniel Sturridge is honestly not ready yet. They missed Didier Drogba.

Drogba entered the match late and could not turn up anything in favor of Chelsea except for a decent attempt which went sideways to the net. Can Chelsea win the league this time without Drogba's goals? It is time to think for Ancelotti. Summer transfer window is not over yet.

PS: Honorable mention goes to Edwin Van Der Sar who made some brilliant saves for United and once again proved why he is one of the best out there. Antonio Valencia was also super at the right wing and his crosses are becoming a threat to all defense. Ashley Cole looked miserable while right back Paulo Ferreira was impressive in his niche.

We hope for a great season from both the teams ahead.