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Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, right, celebrates with teammate Memphis Depay after an own goal by Tottenham's Kyle Walker. AP/Press Association Images

Rusty Man United benefit from Walker charity

The Tottenham player’s own goal turned out to be the difference between the sides.

KYLE WALKER’S OWN goal gave Manchester United a winning start to the Premier League season as they overcame Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday’s opening day.

The England right-back put through his own net in the 22nd minute, rushing back in an attempt to prevent Wayne Rooney taking aim from Ashley Young’s cross and succeeding only in scuffing the ball into his own net.

United handed competitive debuts to Sergio Romero, Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay, while Bastian Schweinsteiger came on in the second half to become the club’s first German player.

Spurs made a bright start in the Salford sunshine, Christian Eriksen volleying over from Harry Kane’s scooped pass, but they retreated into their shells following Walker’s moment of misfortune.

United failed to take full advantage, however, with Young the only player to muster a shot on target, and Eriksen forced Romero — deputising for Real Madrid target David de Gea — to make two sharp saves in the latter stages.

Chelsea launch their title defence at home to Swansea City later on Saturday, while promoted clubs Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich City are all in action.

Arsenal host West Ham United and Liverpool travel to Stoke City on Sunday, with last season’s runners-up Manchester City opening their campaign at West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

© AFP, 2015

Tottenham have scored the first goal of the season (but it’s at the wrong end)>

Our writers give their predictions for the upcoming Premier League season>

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    Mute Peter Govan
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    Sep 4th 2013, 12:37 PM

    The bank balance for kildare will be healthier this morning

    22
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    Mute Michael cunnane
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    Sep 4th 2013, 12:59 PM

    The Kildare football team..the nearly team that never quite made it to the nearly nearly team.Not enough talent in that county.

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    Mute Phil Gill
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    Sep 4th 2013, 1:15 PM

    Dubious calls probably a reference to some refereeing decisions,

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    Mute Brian Tracey
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    Sep 4th 2013, 12:15 PM

    Can i have his ticket for the all ireland final ???

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    Mute James Quinn
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    Sep 4th 2013, 8:29 PM

    Think he has taken them as far as they can go but don’t think anyone else will take em any further. Not in the same league as Kerry, Dubs, Mayo and few more.

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    Mute Michael
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    Sep 4th 2013, 2:07 PM

    Meeting of the players to discuss it tonight ,

    3
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