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Manchester United came from two goals down to beat Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on Sunday. And the Life’s A Pitch panel of football writers are hugely impressed by the performance of the many new and young players in the United team who dealt an early psychological blow to the title hopes of neighbours City.

Martin Lipton of the Daily Mirror felt Man Utd thoroughly deserved the win that reinforced their position as Premier League title favourites. ”All through the game, even when Man City were two up, United had so much more to offer. The variety, the interplay, the vision that they had was remarkable for a first proper run out.

“[Sir Alex Ferguson] felt that it had a significant psychological impact. And [Roberto] Mancini’s face at the final whistle and the body language and the posture of the players suggested that they did too. They were really hurt by the nature of that defeat.

“I think United just looked stronger all round. I thought they’d win the league anyhow. I see nothing at all from yesterday to change my mind. They looked an excellent outfit.”

What struck Dominic Fifield of the Guardian about the performance was that Ferguson appears to have built another strong championship-winning side without people really noticing. ”It’s wonderful, it’s seamless, the transition,” he explains. “We thought last year that United were a team in transition and they won the league. They’ve got options and they look frighteningly strong.”

John Cross of the Daily Mirror was impressed by the versatility of Chris Smalling, operating at right back, despite being a central defender. “I thought he was so impressive. He gives them extra height from set pieces as well, which is valuable. But he was mobile as well, far more mobile than you expect a centre half [to be].

“Phil Jones looks a ball-playing centre half. I wonder whether with the great competition, the strength in depth they have at centre half you might see him moving into midfield.”

Also up for discussion was whether new United goalkeeper David De Gea is susceptible to long-range shots and if Joleon Lescott is City’s defensive Achilles’ heel.

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