Walker own goal gifts United win over Tottenham

Kyle Walker stabbed the ball into his own net in the 22nd minute to hand Louis van Gaal's new-look United side a 1-0  win in the first match of the campaign.

United boss Van Gaal handed debuts to five players in all, including Sergio Romero, who started in goal after Van Gaal claimed David De Gea was not able to focus on his game following interest from Real Madrid.

The Spaniard watched on from the directors' box as Memphis Depay made an impressive debut.

The Dutchman played a key part in the counter that led to the United goal, which came when Walker accidentally prodded the ball in as Wayne Rooney prepared to shoot.

Three points on a warm, muggy lunchtime was the ideal start for manager Louis van Gaal after a huge close season investment took United's spending to about £230 million in his 12 months at the helm.

Romero made three important late saves while Italian defender Matteo Darmian, French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin and Dutch striker Memphis Depay also made useful first starts, with United's Germany World Cup-winner Bastian Schweinsteiger coming on for the last half-hour and getting booked.