United landed the first blow in the battle of the Premier League heavyweights at Wembley to lift the seasons first silverware, as Antonio Valencia, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov gave the Reds an ultimately convincing win in the Community Shield at Wembley.

Sir Alexs men were by far the better side in an entertaining first half, while Chelsea edged a slower-paced second 45 minutes. But the quality of Uniteds finishing decided it. Valencias beautifully-crafted first-half effort and Berbatovs lofted strike came either side of Hernandezs comically deflected effort to secure a 14th Shield triumph.

It may be the dawn of a new season, but Sir Alex continues to conjure selection surprises. When his teamsheet landed at quarter past two at Wembley, everyone was surprised to see Michael Carricks name alongside Paul Scholes in central midfield. Just two days earlier, the United boss had said Carrick would miss the start of the season with an ankle injury. But his near miraculous recovery was critical to wresting control in the midfield battle.

United fans keen to see the summer signings Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling would have to wait. Both players were named among a strong set of substitutes that also included, Dimitar Berbatov, Nani and Darren Fletcher. Sir Alex was clearly keen to use the game to further the sharpness of Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia and Ji-sung Park who saw their first action of the summer in Ireland.

When you consider the players left out in London, the strength of Uniteds squad is striking. Wes Brown, Rafael, Tom Cleverley, Darron Gibson and Federico Macheda were all absent, seemingly by choice. While Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Gary Neville, Anderson and Gabriel Obertan are on their way back to full fitness, which bodes well for the comingseason.

There is often very little to choose between United and Chelsea the last two Community Shield encounters have gone to penalties (winning one apiece) - and although the Reds were more positive and dominant early on, and at times there was no change to that dynamic. The game started with more speed and energy than a match this early in the campaign has any right to produce. United were strong in the tackle, and in possession, and had the first real opening when Scholes on top form, dictating play blazed a volley from Valencias right-wing cross over the bar on eight minutes.

Chelsea werent far behind in registering their first effort. Nicolas Anelka stung the palms of Edwin van der Sar with a shot from distance. From there, the game continued to see-saw; Ivanovics header forced a fine fingertip save from Uniteds Dutch goalkeeper after 15 minutes, before Scholes lofted pass beat the off-side trap to find Rooney, who couldnt quite tuck his shot on the turn inside the far post. Six minutes before the end of an entertaining first half, Owens lofted cross was nearly turned into his own net by Ivanovics desperate diving header.

But it was United who always looked liked breaking the deadlock. And on 41 minutes it arrived. Unsurprisingly, Scholes got the move going with a raking 50-yard ball for Rooney to chase down the right flank. Uniteds no.10 somehow picked a route for his pinpoint cross to Valencia through John Terrys legs, and the Reds winger gleefully smashed the ball past Hilario to give Sir Alexs men a fully-deserved half-time lead.

There were many positives to take from the opening 45 minutes. Carrick was at his finest, Scholes ran the show, Rooney and Valencia looked sharp - and overall United were the better team. But Sir Alex stuck with the plan to make changes atthe break. Hernandez came on to make his competitive debut in place of Ji-sung Park, while Berbatov and Nani joined him as Rooney and Owen made way.