Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

2003 FA Community Shield

The 2003 FA Community Shield was an annual association football match contested on 10 August 2003 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, between Manchester United, the champions of the 2002–03 Premier League, and Arsenal, the winners of the 2002–03 FA Cup. The match, which served as the traditional season curtain-raiser for English top-flight clubs, ended in a 1–1 draw after 90 minutes of play before proceeding directly to a penalty shootout, with Manchester United securing a 4–3 victory to claim the trophy. Manchester United qualified for the Shield as title holders, having clinched their eighth league crown in 11 years with a narrow points advantage over , who finished as runners-up. earned their place by defeating 1–0 in the at the in May 2003, with scoring the decisive goal via a cross from . The fixture pitted two of England's most dominant sides against each other, with Manchester United managed by Sir Alex Ferguson and under , setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash amid the growing rivalry between the clubs. In the match, Manchester United took an early lead in the 15th minute when Mikael Silvestre headed in a corner from , but equalized in the 20th minute through a free-kick by . The game saw early controversy with bookings for and within the first two minutes, and it concluded with 's receiving a for kicking Neville late in regular time. The score remained level at the end of regular time, leading directly to a penalty shootout where United's emerged as the hero, saving efforts from and , while Ruud van Nistelrooy's shot was stopped by ; United's successful takers were , , , and . The victory marked Manchester United's thirteenth Community Shield title (their first since 1997) and provided them with early silverware in the 2003–04 season, which would see Arsenal win the Premier League unbeaten as the "Invincibles." For Arsenal, the loss was a narrow setback, though they would go on to win the following season's . The match is remembered for Howard's penalty heroics and as a prelude to the intense title battles between the two teams in the mid-2000s.

Background

Competition overview

The FA Community Shield is an annual match in English football that pits the champions of the previous season's against the winners of the , serving as the traditional opening fixture of the domestic campaign. If one club secures both the league title and the in the prior season, the runners-up qualify in place of the cup holders to ensure a competitive matchup. Organized by , the competition generates proceeds directed toward community initiatives and charitable causes across the country. The 2003 edition represented the second staging under its current name, following the rebranding from the FA Charity Shield in 2002, and marked the 81st overall iteration of the fixture since its inception. Originating in as a successor to the —which had matched professional and amateur sides—the competition evolved into its modern format by 1974, when it began featuring the league champions versus the winners. Typically hosted at , the 2003 match was relocated to Cardiff's due to Wembley's ongoing six-year redevelopment. Played as a single contest lasting 90 minutes, the 2003 FA Community Shield proceeded directly to a if scores remained level at full time, in line with rules established since that omitted extra time to preserve player fitness for the impending season. The winner claims the distinctive trophy, a symbol of early-season prestige. Often viewed as a ceremonial curtain-raiser rather than a high-stakes decider, the fixture nonetheless carries historical significance and fan anticipation as the prelude to the 2003–04 season.

Qualification and participants

Manchester United qualified for the 2003 FA Community Shield as champions of the 2002–03 season, securing the title with 83 points from 25 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses to finish five points ahead of runners-up . This victory marked a successful and reclamation of after United had finished second to Arsenal the previous year, building on the momentum from their historic 1999 treble-winning campaign that included the , , and . Arsenal earned their place as the 2003 FA Cup winners, retaining the trophy they had lifted in 2002 by defeating Southampton 1–0 in the final on 17 May 2003 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, with the only goal coming from Robert Pires in the 38th minute. Despite a strong league challenge where they led the table for much of the 2002–03 season before slipping to second place with 78 points from 23 wins, 9 draws, and 6 losses, Arsenal's cup success provided consolation and entry into the season's curtain-raiser. The matchup represented Manchester United's 22nd appearance in the and Arsenal's 17th, with neither side achieving the domestic double during the preceding season.

Pre-match

Venue and officials

The 2003 FA took place on Sunday, 10 August 2003, with kick-off scheduled at 3:00 PM BST. The match was hosted at the in , , which served as the temporary home for the competition due to the ongoing of that began in 2002 and continued until 2007. The stadium had a seating capacity of approximately 72,500 at the time. The pitch measured 105 m by 68 m, adhering to standard dimensions for English top-flight . Officiating duties were led by referee Steve Bennett from the Kent County FA, with assistant referees Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire) and Glenn Turner (Derbyshire), and fourth official Phil Dowd (Staffordshire). No notable controversies involving the officials arose in the lead-up to the match. Conditions on the day were characteristic of a warm summer afternoon, with temperatures hovering around 25°C, potentially impacting player stamina during the fixture.

Team news and preparations

Manchester United approached the 2003 FA Community Shield with a squad largely unchanged from the one that secured the 2002–03 title, bolstered by strategic summer signings aimed at maintaining competitiveness. Manager highlighted the additions of from the MetroStars, midfielder from , and Kleberson from Athletico Paranaense as key reinforcements, particularly in midfield depth following David Beckham's transfer to Real Madrid. He expressed confidence in the team's readiness, stating, "I’m confident about Howard... Djemba-Djemba... Kleberson, I think will be a terrific player," while noting the core group remained intact to build on recent successes. The club conducted pre-season preparations including a tour of the , featuring matches and training sessions to sharpen fitness levels. No major injuries were reported ahead of the fixture, though defender was sidelined with a long-term issue. Arsenal, qualifying via their 2003 FA Cup triumph over Southampton, adopted a strategy of continuity under Arsène Wenger, making only minimal adjustments to the squad that had challenged for the Premier League crown the previous season. Wenger downplayed the lack of major incomings, focusing instead on the integration of new goalkeeper Jens Lehmann from Borussia Dortmund as a replacement for the retired David Seaman, while expressing optimism about the group's potential. Captain Patrick Vieira, amid ongoing speculation linking him to other clubs, reaffirmed his dedication to Arsenal during the summer, providing stability to the midfield; he would sign a contract extension until 2007 shortly after the match. The team experimented with defensive combinations in pre-season, compensating for occasional absences like those of Sol Campbell or Martin Keown, but entered the game without significant injury concerns. The fixture generated substantial anticipation as an early indicator of the 2003–04 title contest between the two dominant forces, with pundits emphasizing the tactical duel between strikers and as pivotal to the outcome. Ferguson viewed Arsenal's experience as their primary threat, underscoring the personal and competitive intensity of the rivalry.

Match

Team line-ups

Manchester United lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity with anchoring the midfield. The starting XI consisted of goalkeeper ; defenders , , , and ; midfielders , (captain), , and ; attacking midfielder ; and forward . Substitutions included for in the 60th minute, for in the 69th minute, and for in the 79th minute. Arsenal deployed a 4-4-2 formation, leveraging their attacking flair through the Henry-Bergkamp partnership up front. Their starting lineup featured goalkeeper ; defenders , , (captain), and ; midfielders , , , and ; and forwards and . Substitutions included for Parlour at halftime (46'), Edu Gaspar for in the 60th minute, Francis Jeffers for Bergkamp in the 60th minute, for Ljungberg in the 65th minute, and for Henry in the 79th minute. Paul Scholes was named Man of the Match for his influential performance in midfield. United's setup provided a robust defensive structure, while Arsenal relied on dynamic forward play to create opportunities.

Match summary

Manchester United took the lead in the 15th minute when Mikaël Silvestre headed in a corner from Ryan Giggs, with Roy Keane providing a flick-on assist. Arsenal responded swiftly in the 20th minute, equalizing through a curling free-kick by Thierry Henry from over 30 yards after a foul by Nicky Butt. The first half then settled into a period of even, competitive play with no further scoring. In the second half, Arsenal were reduced to ten men in the 72nd minute when substitute was sent off for kicking . Despite the numerical advantage, Manchester United could not find a breakthrough, and the match remained level at 1–1, forcing extra time. No goals were scored during the additional 30 minutes of extra time, leading to a penalty shoot-out. Manchester United prevailed 4–3, with goalkeeper making crucial saves from and , while Ruud van Nistelrooy's effort was stopped by . The scorers for United were , , , and ; for Arsenal, , , and found the net. Manchester United thus claimed victory in the 2003 FA Community Shield.

Detailed match report

Manchester United began the match assertively, dominating possession in the opening exchanges and limiting Arsenal's opportunities to break forward. The game's first key moment arrived in the 15th minute when delivered a precise from the right, with providing a flick-on, finding Mikael Silvestre unmarked at the far post; the defender rose to head the ball firmly past , giving United a 1–0 lead. Arsenal responded swiftly, equalizing in the 20th minute after committed a foul on approximately 30 yards from goal. stepped up to curl a sublime free-kick over the Arsenal wall and into the top corner, beyond the reach of , restoring parity at 1–1. This goal ignited Arsenal's momentum, with asserting control in midfield through a series of robust tackles and forward passes that disrupted United's rhythm. From the 21st minute until half-time, the contest developed into an end-to-end affair, with both sides trading chances in a high-tempo first period. unleashed a powerful long-range shot that struck the post for , while fashioned a promising opportunity only for to produce a sharp save low to his left. The half concluded with the scoreline unchanged at 1–1, setting the stage for a tense second period under the warm conditions at the . Arsenal introduced Edu as a substitute for Gilberto Silva at half-time to bolster their midfield presence, aiming to maintain their regained initiative. In the period from the 46th to the 71st minute, Freddie Ljungberg combined effectively with Henry on the left flank to create multiple threats, including a driven cross that forced a hurried clearance and a through-ball that tested the United backline. However, Rio Ferdinand was instrumental in neutralizing these attacks, making several vital interventions, including a last-ditch block on Henry's low shot across goal. The game's complexion shifted dramatically in the 72nd minute when Arsenal substitute Francis Jeffers, introduced earlier for added attacking impetus, was shown a direct red card by referee Steve Bennett for kicking Phil Neville during a heated challenge near the touchline. Reduced to ten men, Arsenal shifted to a more defensive setup, dropping deeper to absorb United's increasing pressure while relying on counter-attacks. From the 73rd minute through to full-time and into extra time, Manchester United dominated proceedings, launching wave after wave of attacks in search of a winner. Ole Gunnar Solskjær wastefully side-footed a close-range effort wide after a Scholes assist, while Ruud van Nistelrooy headed over from a Giggs cross and later dragged a shot narrowly past the post. Arsenal's defense held firm despite the numerical disadvantage and growing fatigue in the heat, but no further goals materialized, forcing the match to penalties. The penalty shootout proved decisive, with takers alternating and tension mounting under the lights. Tim Howard made a crucial diving save to deny Giovanni van Bronckhorst's low effort to his right, preserving United's edge. Robert Pires then skied his attempt high over the bar, handing United the advantage they would not relinquish. Jens Lehmann responded with a save on van Nistelrooy's shot, but United converted their other penalties through Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand, Solskjær, and Diego Forlán to secure a 4–3 victory.

Match statistics

The 2003 FA Community Shield featured Manchester United in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with playing in the advanced midfield role behind lone striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, supported by and on the wings. Arsenal deployed a 4-4-2 setup, pairing with up front, flanked by and ( substituting at halftime). After ' dismissal, Arsenal adjusted to a more compact 4-4-1 structure to protect their numerical disadvantage. The match was notable for its physicality, resulting in five yellow cards and one . Manchester United received bookings for in the 1st minute for a foul on , in the 53rd minute for a foul, and in the 60th minute for a foul on Vieira. Arsenal's was cautioned in the 2nd minute for fouling Solskjaer, and Vieira received a yellow in the 52nd minute for a foul on Fortune. Jeffers was sent off in the 74th minute for violent conduct after kicking Neville. Detailed performance metrics from the era indicate a closely contested affair, with Manchester United slightly edging possession and attacking opportunities, though both sides managed only two shots on target each.

Post-match

Reactions and analysis

Manchester United manager praised his team's resilience amid the intense heat at the , stating that his players coped admirably under the difficult conditions. He highlighted goalkeeper Tim Howard's heroics, crediting the American's two penalty saves from and as decisive in securing the shoot-out victory. Ferguson also commended for his midfield dominance, noting the midfielder's quick thinking in assisting the opening goal from a corner. Arsène accepted the red card shown to substitute as deserved, explaining that the forward had overreacted but would learn from the mistake as a young and intelligent player. He noted the challenge of playing with 10 men in the heat, with the referee having shown leniency to and earlier in the match, but remained optimistic about Arsenal's prospects despite the early-season loss and the squad's limited fitness. Paul Scholes received the man of the match award for his energetic performance, including his role in the set-piece opener and successful penalty. , who equalized with a stunning 35-yard free-kick, reflected on the quick response as a demonstration of Arsenal's fighting spirit. Analysis of the match emphasized Manchester United's set-piece prowess, exemplified by Mikaël Silvestre's header from ' corner in the 15th minute, which exposed Arsenal's defensive vulnerabilities. Jeffers' 74th-minute dismissal for kicking shifted momentum decisively, forcing Arsenal into a defensive posture during extra time and the shoot-out. The encounter served as a prelude to the fierce 2003–04 rivalry, with Arsenal ultimately achieving an unbeaten 'Invincibles' campaign. Media outlets, including the , described the dramatic penalty shoot-out—marked by Howard's saves from and —as a thrilling opener to the season between title contenders.

Broadcast and attendance

The 2003 FA Community Shield attracted an attendance of 59,293 spectators at the in , marking the lowest turnout for the annual fixture since 1995. This figure represented a decline attributed to the early-season timing, which coincided with pre-season fatigue among fans, as well as logistical challenges in ticket distribution, including delays and restrictions to club members only. Additionally, the neutral venue in deterred travel from supporters of United and , who had already made multiple trips there in recent seasons for other major matches. Arsenal sold only 16,000 of their allocated 24,000 tickets, highlighting the uneven demand. In the , the match was broadcast live on , which had secured the rights for the that year. coverage drew an audience of 1.35 million viewers, reflecting moderate interest in the pre-season opener. Highlights were subsequently featured on BBC's , providing post-match analysis for a broader audience. International coverage was limited in the pre-digital streaming era, with the match available primarily through satellite broadcasts in select regions. In the United States, it aired on , catering to expatriate and enthusiasts, while European viewers had access via localized feeds, though without widespread global reach compared to later years. Commercially, was sponsored by as part of a four-year, £30 million deal with that began in 2002, rebranding the fixture to emphasize community initiatives funded by gate receipts and programme sales distributed to participating clubs. Ticket prices were set at £35, but the location and low attendance impacted overall sales, underscoring challenges in maximizing revenue for the neutral-site opener. Despite the subdued crowd size, the fan atmosphere remained vibrant and charged, dominated by vocal contingents from Manchester United and amid their intensifying rivalry, contributing to a fiery on-pitch encounter. Supporters created a tense, competitive environment in the , even as travel logistics limited overall numbers.

References

  1. [1]
    BBC SPORT | Football | Man Utd win Community Shield
    Aug 10, 2003 · Goalkeeper Tim Howard was Manchester United's hero as his double penalty save secured a Community Shield shoot-out win in Cardiff.
  2. [2]
    2002/03 Season Review - Premier League
    May 25, 2018 · Once again Manchester United edged a closely-fought contest with rivals Arsenal to finish on top and claim their eighth Premier League title.
  3. [3]
    Arsenal 1-0 Southampton (May 17, 2003) Final Score - ESPN
    Southampton kept going until the end but Arsenal had the class to win it and they deserved the win. David Seaman will lift the trophy in those 'safe hands' ...Missing: winners | Show results with:winners
  4. [4]
    Man United 1-1 Arsenal (Aug 10, 2003) Final Score - ESPN
    Game summary of the Manchester United vs. Arsenal English Fa Community Shield game, final score 1-1, from August 10, 2003 on ESPN.
  5. [5]
    Premier League Table, Results & Stats 2002-03 - My Football Facts
    Discover the Premier League 2002-03 season table, results, and stats. Manchester United clinched their 8th title in 11 years under Sir Alex Ferguson, ...
  6. [6]
    Table Premier League 02/03 - Transfermarkt
    Table Premier League 02/03 ; 1, Manchester United · Man Utd ; 2, Arsenal FC, Arsenal English Champion 2002 FA Cup Winner 2002 ; 3, Newcastle United · Newcastle ; 4 ...
  7. [7]
    The origins and a brief history of the FA Community Shield
    The FA Community Shield, or Charity Shield as it was formerly known, was first played for in 1908. It evolved from the “Sheriff of London Shield” fixture ...Missing: editions | Show results with:editions
  8. [8]
  9. [9]
    Community Shield | Man Utd Trophy Room | Manchester United
    ... 2003, one year after the competition was renamed as the Community Shield. Arsenal were beaten on penalties at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, while ...
  10. [10]
    Pires aim is true for muted Gunners | Soccer - The Guardian
    May 17, 2003 · Pires aim is true for muted Gunners ... Arsenal retained the FA Cup yesterday with a Robert Pires goal as normal service resumed for the Gunners.
  11. [11]
    2002-2003 Arsenal Stats, Premier League - FBref.com
    Record: 23-9-6, 78 points (2.05 per game), 2nd in Premier League (1st Tier). Home Record: 15-2-2, 47 points Away Record: 8-7-4, 31 points.<|control11|><|separator|>
  12. [12]
    England - List of FA Charity/Community Shield Matches
    Aug 10, 2025 · FA Community Shield. 2002 Arsenal 1 Liverpool 0 2003 Manchester United 1 Arsenal 1 (4-3 pen) 2004 Arsenal 3 Manchester United 1 2005 Chelsea 2 ...
  13. [13]
    FA Community Shield 2003 » Schedule - worldfootball.net
    FA Community Shield 2003 Schedule: Here you will find all matches in the overview.
  14. [14]
    About the Venue - Principality Stadium
    Background to the Millennium Stadium Project​​ Capacity in the old National Stadium was 53,000 (including 11,000 standing in the East Terrace). New safety ...
  15. [15]
    The big interview: Sir Alex Ferguson - The Times
    Aug 3, 2003 · Arsenal. This is May 4, 2003, the last day they will haunt Ferguson. “We won the Premier League three years in a row (from 1998- ...
  16. [16]
    How Manchester United 'cracked' America in 2003
    Jul 21, 2023 · As it was, United's only new faces were American goalkeeper Tim Howard, newly signed from MetroStars, and young French forward David Bellion.<|control11|><|separator|>
  17. [17]
    BBC SPORT | Football | Premiership | Title rivals have their say
    Aug 11, 2003 · Sunday's Charity Shield offered few clues as to which of the bookies' favourites is more likely to win the Premiership this season.
  18. [18]
    Vieira and Pires sign new deals | Soccer | The Guardian
    Aug 13, 2003 · Arsenal received good news that French midfielders Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires have finally committed their futures to Highbury.
  19. [19]
    BBC SPORT | Football | McClaren's big-match tactics
    Aug 8, 2003 · Sunday's Community Shield revolves around Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy and how each defence copes with the two threats.
  20. [20]
    BBC SPORT | Football | Clockwatch: Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
    Aug 10, 2003 · All the action as it happened as Manchester United beat Arsenal in the Community Shield at the Millennium Stadium. The action as it happenedMissing: preparations | Show results with:preparations
  21. [21]
    Manchester United 2003 Charity Shield Line up v Arsenal
    A breakdown of information on the 2003 Charity Shield. Click on players or managers name for profile. Date: Sunday 10.08.2003. Venue: Millennium Stadium, ...
  22. [22]
    Angry Arsenal lose the plot as Howard's way prevails - The Guardian
    Aug 10, 2003 · The referee Steve Bennett showed charity to shield wrongdoers from the consequences of their offences. A kindly instinct is not always ...
  23. [23]
    BBC SPORT | Football | Wenger sees red over Jeffers
    Aug 11, 2003 · Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Francis Jeffers fully deserved the red card that cost his side's chances of lifting the Community Shield ...
  24. [24]
    Arsenal VS Manchester United Match overview FA Community ...
    Aug 9, 2003 · FA Community Shield 2003 Match overview Arsenal VS Manchester United · Arsenal · 1-1 · Manchester United · Bookings · Arsenal · Squads · Manchester ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Arsenal FC - Manchester United, Aug 10, 2003 - Community Shield
    Aug 10, 2003 · This is the match sheet of the Community Shield game between Arsenal FC and Manchester United on Aug 10, 2003.
  26. [26]
    Attendance falls to its lowest for eight years | The Independent
    Aug 11, 2003 · Yesterday's FA Community Shield crowd was just 59,293 - the lowest for the season's annual curtain-raiser for eight years. Supporters of the ...
  27. [27]
    Timeline of ITV Sport - Wikipedia
    7 August – The FA Community Shield returns to ITV Sport. 17 September – ITV broadcasts coverage of the England women's football team for the first time.
  28. [28]
    Multichannel TV overtakes BBC1 in ratings - The Guardian
    Aug 29, 2003 · ... watched by 1.25 million the previous weekend while United's Community Shield win against Arsenal on August 10 drew an audience of 1.35 million.
  29. [29]
    BBC SPORT | Football | Match of the Day | Community Shield on ...
    Gary Lineker presents highlights from the Millennium Stadium as champions Arsenal take on FA Cup winners Manchester United in the Community Shield.
  30. [30]
    2003 08 10 Arsenal v Manchester United Community Shield FOX
    Jan 15, 2024 · 2003 08 10 Arsenal v Manchester United Community Shield FOX. 784 views · 1 year ago ...more. UK Retro Football Classics and more. 13.6K.
  31. [31]
    McDonald's strikes £30m football deal | Marketing & PR
    Apr 12, 2002 · McDonald's will also become the presenting partner of The FA Community Shield, previously known as the FA Charity Shield, which is the official ...Missing: 2003 | Show results with:2003
  32. [32]
    #FlashbackFriday – Charity/Community Shield - Online Gooner
    Ahead of the 2002 fixture, the Charity Commission had claimed that the FA had breached Charity rules ... FA Community Shield as a result. In the first ever FA ...
  33. [33]
    'Better than Wembley' The days when Cardiff was the capital of the ...
    Oct 19, 2018 · The roof of the Millennium Stadium remained closed for the FA Cup Final match between Arsenal and Southampton in 2003(Image: 2003 Getty Images).