Ferguson: Shield a ´stepping-stone´

Sir Alex Ferguson is taking a laid-back approach to Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City.

The United manager said he would resist getting “emotional” about the match even though the last time the clubs met at Wembley was in April when City triumphed in the FA Cup semi-final.

“I have always viewed the Community Shield as a stepping-stone to the first game of the season<" Ferguson said.

"It's very easy to get emotional about this type of game but I don't think we will be changing our policy."

"There may be two or three players who need the game on Sunday."

Javier Hernandez could be out for another three weeks as United take a cautious approach to his head injury.

The Mexican strike sensation suffered concussion while on the US tour, and suffered a similar injury earlier in his career.

"Chicharito won't be involved for maybe another two or three weeks – considering he had a concussion some years ago we are just playing safe with that but he should be back by the end of August."

Michael Carrick will also miss the Wembley match after picking up a slight Achilles problem in Edwin van der Sar's testimonial on Wednesday.

But there was good news for three other valuable squad members.

"Darren Fletcher's back training which is good news, (Antonio) Valenica's training, Rafael has recovered from his knock against Barcelona."

"We are in good shape, we've come through the American tour without any real injury problems."

"We get this almost every year. Clubs round about us buy and that's how you view the importance of winning this week nowadays."

"Chelsea had this great spell of buying when Jose (Mourinho, the former manager) first went there and we had to accept that challenge."

"And we do except challenges, it's good to accept challenge. It keeps the complacency away from your door and we carry on as best we can."