Smalling impressed by Romero

Tottenham Hotspur played Manchester United well over the course of 90 minutes at Old Trafford in the opening match of the 2015-16 Premier League season, but a flukey own-goal from Kyle Walker was the difference as Spurs fell to the Red Devils 1-0 on Saturday.

United’s striker Wayne Rooney was free on goal but hesitated with his shot and Walker intercepted but only managed to put the ball in his own net.

Van Gaal has previously admitted the Spanish glovesman “maybe wants to leave” United, with La Liga giants Real offering him a road back to his homeland.

Germany’s World Cup victor Bastian Schweinsteiger, United’s highest-profile summer recruit, also gave a robust half-hour cameo in which he received a booking for a foul.

David De Gea, Anders Lindergaard and Victors Valdes have all had their issues with Louis Van Gaal, which led to their “axing” from the team’s starting lineup. “But I like the performance, especially from Darmian“. Last year began with an uninspiring goalless draw with very lowly Burnley. Maybe that was my fault, I might have laid too much pressure on the players because I wanted to win after the bad start we made past year. “And we’ve gone out there and done that”. Spurs, though, can count themselves unlucky that they were unable to come away with at least a point at Old Trafford.

Midfielder Ashley Young had set up the play with a run down the right side and a well-placed pass to Rooney. “But the important thing is he stops the balls and he did that”.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, seen here with Adnan Januzaj in the directors’ box during the club’s season debut, may be on his way to Real Madrid.

“Romero kept the zero”.

“Sergio saved us twice”, Van Gaal said.

Spurs manager, Mauricio Pochettino, could not hide his dismay.

“Of course, we want to keep him because he is our best player“.

The second half ebbed and flowed between the two teams as to who were on top but that did not bring an array of chances from either side.

After Ross Barkley had equalised with a dazzling effort, Odion Ighalo put the visitors ahead with seven minutes remaining before Arouna Kone equalised two minutes later.

Everton and Watford played to a 2-2 draw, while Aston Villa won 1-0 against Bournemouth.

Norwich City, promoted via the play-offs in May, lost 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace.