Erik ten Hag has vowed not to risk his players' fitness in the Community Shield clash against Manchester City as he offered Manchester United's rivals a cheeky reminder of their FA Cup final triumph in May.
Ten Hag reminded City that the Red Devils have already demonstrated their ability to defeat the Premier League champions, winning 2-1 at Wembley.
The Dutchman could be missing up to six key players for the match, with several others - including England's Kobbie Mainoo who scored in the FA Cup final - only recently returning to training.
Ten Hag has made it clear that he will not field any player who is not fully fit. Despite the local rivalry, the United boss insists he has nothing to prove in the Wembley showdown.
He is keen to avoid a repeat of last season's injury woes and does not want this campaign to be similarly affected.
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"We know already we can beat City and that's not dependent on the result on Saturday, that will not change that belief," he stated.
"We know already we can beat City and that’s not dependent on the result on Saturday, that will not change that belief. The FA Cup was a higher occasion than the game on Saturday.
"Nevertheless, we want to win, but we have shown we can beat City. We have that belief, but we don't want to take a risk with players and lose them for long periods.
"That's what we have to take from last season because when you get in a pattern when you’re missing many players with injuries, that affects results.
"We want to get results and for that players have to be available."
Ten Hag acknowledged that some of his squad are not yet at full fitness and suggested it will take time for everyone to reach their peak.
"They played the Euros and Copa America so they were in different teams," he explained.
"Now we have to bring this together. It’s complicated and I’m not the only one who has this problem."
