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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 David O'Sullivan
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    Aug 8th 2015, 3:01 PM

    If United win the rest of their games they win the league

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    Mute Slick-Beatz
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    Aug 8th 2015, 3:04 PM

    Its in our own hands now..

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    Mute Andrew Keane
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    Aug 8th 2015, 3:27 PM

    Shit, you’re right!

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    Mute Noely Elliot
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    Aug 8th 2015, 3:08 PM

    Always good to start with 3 points regardless of the performance and Darmian looks a decent player on the ball and defending.

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    Mute Anthony
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    Aug 8th 2015, 3:20 PM

    Spot on. Darmian motm and Smalling a close second.

    Very average performance though. Spurs very one dimensional. Take Eriksen out and they’re in trouble.

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    Mute Arthur Pewty
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    Aug 8th 2015, 3:26 PM

    its the first game of the season. hardly surprising that a team might not have their best performance.

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    Mute Kurt Barlow
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    Aug 8th 2015, 3:00 PM

    Spurs games can and have been be difficult over the years , not the best game you’ll see this year but it’s 3pts off a potential top 6 team.

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    Mute Arthur Pewty
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    Aug 8th 2015, 2:59 PM

    top of the league and we’re having a laugh!
    top of the league and we’re having a laugh!

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    Mute Unknown
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    Aug 8th 2015, 3:10 PM

    Need a straight up striker to really hit hard.

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    Mute David Breen
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    Aug 8th 2015, 3:26 PM

    37 more own goals and we win the league

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    Mute David Breen
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    Aug 8th 2015, 4:26 PM

    it was a joke! try not to take it too literally you might actually have a laugh!

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