An error from new Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea did not prevent the champions from getting off to a winning start against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

United took the lead in the 13th minute when Wayne Rooney wrong footed West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster with a low left footed effort from the edge of the area.

The away side dominated for large parts of the opening half, but West Brom hit back level before the break. New signing Shane Long cut inside Chris Smalling before shooting low underneath the body of De Gea in the Manchester United goal.

Goal scoring chances were few and far between after the restart but with nine minutes remaining United claimed the winner. Summer signing from Aston Villa Ashley Young drilled in a cross which was deflected into the net by West Brom full-back Nicky Shorey.

Next up for United is a home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, August 22, while West Brom travel to Chelsea on Satuday, August 20.