Manchester United Out-Gun Double Winners Chelsea In Community Shield

By their own lofty standards, Manchester United were resigned to a supporting role last season. But the early signs suggest Sir Alex Ferguson's class of 2010-11 will channel every ounce of their collective disappointment to knock Chelsea off their perch this time around.

In a convincing 3-1 defeat of the double winners in the FA Community Shield at Wembley, United brimmed with an infectious work ethic all over the field. They out-fought and out-thought Chelsea, and could have sealed the game long before Dimitar Berbatov's sublime late strike.

In midfield, United called upon the evergreen Paul Scholes to set the tone - and the 35-year-old produced a typically energetic and influential performance to suggest he still has plenty to offer in the most physically demanding league on the planet. 

But it was Antonio Valencia was stole the plaudits. The United winger positively hummed with attacking intent and gave Ashley Cole a torrid afternoon. After calmly dispatching Wayne Rooney's center to put United ahead, Valencia capped a superb performance by laying on Javier Hernandez for United's second.

It was Hernandez's first competitive goal for United, and the Mexican will surely be in contention for a start against Newcastle next week after another dynamic showing.

As for Chelsea, a late flurry threatened to bring Carlo Ancelotti's men parity, and also served to demonstrate the champions still have ample weaponry at their disposal. But a stuttering pre-season suggests a slow start to their title defense could be in the offing.

United's victory culminated in an exquisite finish from Berbatov, who collected Nani's flick before cushioning a lob over Hilario from just outside the box. It was a goal drenched in confidence, produced by a team on the back of a near-perfect pre-season preparation, and with no shortage of motivation.

On this form, United will take some stopping this season.