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Own Goal gives United perfect start
- Updated: August 9, 2015
Manchester United defeated Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Old Trafford in the first Premier League game of the season.
A 22nd minute Kyle Walker own goal was the difference in what was a game of few chances on a warm afternoon in Manchester.
Argentinian goalkeeper Sergio Romero started between the sticks for Louis Van Gaal’s team in place of David De Gea, amid increasing speculation the Spanish ‘keeper will leave the club during this transfer window.
Morgan Schneiderlin, Matteo Darmian and Memphis Depay also made their United debuts while Bastian Schweinsteiger came on off the bench for his Old Trafford bow.
Mauricio Pocchetino handed a debut to summer acquisition Toby Alderweireld and Dele Alli was introduced in the second half for his first Premier League start.
The visitors had the first chance to find the net when Harry Kane scooped a pass over the United defence but Christian Eriksen lifted his effort over the top of the crossbar.
United, who had barely threatened in the opening quarter, took the lead when Ashley Young’s low cross found Wayne Rooney, who took a touch to control the ball on the six yard line. Walker tried to tackle the England captain but could only flick the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal with goalkeeper Michel Vorm helpless.
Suddenly the hosts took control of the game, Depay had an effort saved by Vorm and Juan Mata fired over as United pressed for a second goal.
Spurs struggled to create any other clear cut chances of note, with Romero taking command of his penalty area, and defenders Chris Smalling and Daley Blind keeping Harry Kane quiet.
Just past the hour World Cup winner Schweinsteiger made his debut, and soon linked up with Rooney down the right hand side to create an opening for Young, who’s effort couldn’t beat Vorm.
In the last 10 minutes Alderweireld picked Eriksen out with a lovely cross field pass, the Danish international saw his shot saved by Romero.
The 28 year-old stopper thwarted Eriksen again from the edge of the area moments later, but that was as close as Tottenham came to grabbing an equaliser as the 13-time Premier League champions opened the new season with a victory.
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