Nani’s 94th-minute winner completed a superb comeback by Manchester United as they stunned derby rivals Manchester City to clinch the Community Shield, which they have won the trophy for 19th time.

With no extra-time to be played and penalties looming, the Portuguese winger pounced on some hesitant, even terrible Manchester City defending to run on to a Wayne Rooney clearance, round the helpless Joe Hart one on one and scored an easy but nevertheless a victory goal.

Manchester City had led 2-0 at half-time after a shaky start by United’s newly aquired Spanish keeper David De Gea saw himself beaten by Joleon Lescott’s header from a free-kick and Edin Dzeko’s long-distance try.

Manchester United vs Manchester City : The Rivals

But Manchester United, lost last two games at Wembley – the first defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League final 2011 and Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final 2011 – responded by taking the game to their rivals and ultimately they got rewarded even the 3rd goal was a gift from City’s defence.

Chris Smalling reduced the deficit when he turned in Ashley Young’s free-kick before Nani levelled before the hour mark by finishing off a stunning passing move.

City held firm and even threatened to retake the lead when Adam Johnson tested De Gea, but it was United who laid down the marker for the forthcoming Premier League campaign, beginning the defence of their title by collecting more silverware.

Man United vs Man City : Alex Ferguson changed the game utterly

In truth, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men could have been out of sight by the time City scored, with new signing Young quickly looking at home down the left flank, but they could not make the most of their vastly superior possession.

Young had a shot deflected narrowly wide before Lescott blocked Smalling’s volley on the line, but United’s best efforts were free-kicks from Rooney and Nani which flew narrowly off target, the latter deflecting off Dzeko.

Ferguson stated in his post-match media conference that he has “trust and confidence” in all his young players, and clearly that works both ways – his players respond to the faith he puts in them, since the average age of Manchester United’s team in the second half was just 22.

Manchester City, in contrast, were lethargic in every area of the pitch and their main contribution in the first half-hour was to keep referee Phil Dowd busy, with Micah Richards among four of their players booked early on, in his case for a wild lunge on Young.

Man. United Goalkeeper De Gea : Worst start ever ?

Goalie De Gea, who made his debut at Manchester United had been given next to nothing to do in United’s goal – which made Manchester City’s opener a huge surprise when it arrived in the 38th minute of the game.

David Silva whipped in a cross from the right and Rio Ferdinand appeared to leave the ball for his keeper, who had stopped, allowing Lescott waving while scoring his header.

If there were doubts over who made the mistake on that occasion, there were none when Dzeko made it 2-0.

Manchestyer United’s defence backed off to allow the Bosnian space to shoot from 25 meters out and, although there was plenty of pace behind his shot, De Gea appeared to react too slowly and dived after it had flown past him.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s response to seeing his side fall back at the break was to make three changes, bringing on another new signing Phil Jones and Jonny Evans to replace Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at the back, and introducing Tom Cleverley into his midfield.

The changes brought almost instant impact, with Manchester United pouring forward following the restart.

Smalling reduced the deficit from close range when Young’s free-kick evaded Lescott and, six minutes later, Nani levelled when he rounded off a quick-fire passing move involving Rooney and Cleverley.

It seemed United’s momentum would overwhelm their neighbours but City, to their credit, stood firm. United remained the more dangerous with their rapid attacks but they did not force Joe Hart into another save before striking right at the death.

Rooney hooked clear from a City corner and with Vincent Kompany standing off, Nani nipped past Yaya Toure and kept his cool to beat Hart and settle an enthralling contest.

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