An own goal from Kyle Walker in the first half has handed Manchester United a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in the first match of the new Premier League season.
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The visitors made a bright start to the match as Harry Kane played the ball forward for Christian Eriksen, who could not keep his finish down, before the striker put the ball behind a few minutes later.
Despite Tottenham's bright start, it was the home side who broke the deadlock when Ashley Young put Wayne Rooney in, only for Walker to mistime a clearance and tap the ball into his own net, making it the first time in the Premier League's 23-year history that the first goal of the campaign is an own goal.
Juan Mata had a couple of chances to double the lead of Louis van Gaal's side before the break, but a free kick from the Spaniard failed to clear the wall before he drove an effort wide soon after.
The home side continued to dominate early in the second half as Memphis Depay got a shot away, but he could only drill his left-footed finish over the bar.
Sergio Romero had to remain alert down the other end in the United goal as Eriksen delivered a dangerous-looking cross for the visitors, but the keeper got to it before any of the Dane's teammates could connect with it.
The home fans got to welcome new signing Bastian Schweinsteiger for his first appearance in a competitive fixture for the club since his arrival from Bayern Munich, with the German replacing Michael Carrick with 30 minutes to go.
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Chances remained few and far between for much of the second half, but Rooney had a chance to get on the scoresheet inside the final 20 minutes as he watched a cross come in from Ander Herrera, but the captain's finish was lacking.
Spurs started to show more intent in the final 10 minutes as they pushed for a late equaliser, but Toby Alderweireld's delivery in for Eriksen was comfortably saved by Romero.
Eriksen had a chance to make amends as he found himself clear through on goal again with just two minutes to play, but the midfielder found himself denied by a diving save from the Argentine keeper.
Tottenham continued to pile forward in stoppage time as they desperately sought a goal of their own, but Dele Alli - who came off the bench for his first Premier League appearance - Kane and Eriksen all failed too convert, allowing the hosts to hang on for the narrow win.
Sian Cowper
