United starts their Title defence with win

United started their campaign with win over new boys Birmingham . It was not a very convincing one but they created plenty of chances . It was Wayne Rooney who is expected to fill the gap created by the departure of Ronaldo was in the thick of action and scored the only goal .Young United keeper Ben Foster has shown why he is rated so much by Sir Alex by producing a wonderful save to deny Christian Benitez.The void left by Ronaldo was visible in the play.Ronaldo's absence will be felt for some time. There was none of that magical trickery the Portugal superstar has provided for the Old Trafford faithful for six stellar years and none of that edge-of-your-seat anticipation either.


United applied all the early pressure and they eventually made a breakthrough when Wayne Rooney turned the ball home in the 34th minute after his initial header had struck the post.

Birmingham could have been level almost instantly as Cameron Jerome and Franck Queudrue both went close, and United had a chance of their own as Darren Fletcher passed up a glorious opportunity on the stroke of half-time.

In the second half, Dimitar Berbatov saw an effort cleared off the line as well as a penalty appeal rejected.Substitute Michael Owen did have the ball in the net once, only to be flagged offside. He was most certainly on when he raced onto Rooney's chested through ball in stoppage time.This time, Hart made the save.