This time of year is critical for preparation for clubs in anticipation for the start of their domestic seasons.
That is no different for both Manchester United and Chelsea, who despite being the favorites to duke it out for the English Premier League title this season, are still working through early season challenges of getting their teams ready for the season ahead.
Manchester United had an encouraging performance as they defeated Chelsea, 3-1, but as Sir Alex Ferguson referenced, it was equally important to get some match-time to those players who played in the World Cup, including England's Wayne Rooney, who were given extended rest during the summer following their exertions in South Africa.
"It was good for players to build up their fitness," he said. "I don't know if Wayne and Park (Ji-Sung) are ready yet but the internationals in the coming week are a bonus for them and I'm delighted they are involved."
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti felt his players were too slow throughout Sunday's match and were deservedly beaten, but also feels that international friendlies and matches like the Community Shield will only aid in improving match fitness.
"Tactically we played too slow first half but this can happen at the start of the season," said Ancelotti.
"Its impossible to ask our players to be quick after 10 days training before the start of the season. They have to improve their condition. It was important for them to play 90 minutes so this is a positive.
"The players playing in the internationals could be a good thing to improve their condition.
"Manchester played better than us. The positive is that it put more minutes on the legs of the players."
Getting a team in form and fit are key components for the coaching staff at early stages of the season, and fans should certainly anticipate continued progress for both Manchester United and Chelsea. Seeing an entertaining match at this stage of the season are encouraging signs for both clubs, and will certainly continue as individual players get sharper and fitter and teams gain more cohesion.
That is no different for both Manchester United and Chelsea, who despite being the favorites to duke it out for the English Premier League title this season, are still working through early season challenges of getting their teams ready for the season ahead.
Manchester United had an encouraging performance as they defeated Chelsea, 3-1, but as Sir Alex Ferguson referenced, it was equally important to get some match-time to those players who played in the World Cup, including England's Wayne Rooney, who were given extended rest during the summer following their exertions in South Africa.
"It was good for players to build up their fitness," he said. "I don't know if Wayne and Park (Ji-Sung) are ready yet but the internationals in the coming week are a bonus for them and I'm delighted they are involved."
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti felt his players were too slow throughout Sunday's match and were deservedly beaten, but also feels that international friendlies and matches like the Community Shield will only aid in improving match fitness.
"Tactically we played too slow first half but this can happen at the start of the season," said Ancelotti.
"Its impossible to ask our players to be quick after 10 days training before the start of the season. They have to improve their condition. It was important for them to play 90 minutes so this is a positive.
"The players playing in the internationals could be a good thing to improve their condition.
"Manchester played better than us. The positive is that it put more minutes on the legs of the players."
Getting a team in form and fit are key components for the coaching staff at early stages of the season, and fans should certainly anticipate continued progress for both Manchester United and Chelsea. Seeing an entertaining match at this stage of the season are encouraging signs for both clubs, and will certainly continue as individual players get sharper and fitter and teams gain more cohesion.
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