Kyle Walker delivers Van Gaal's birthday gift | Man Utd 1-0 Tottenham [Match report + Highlights]

 Louis van Gaal was rewarded with a fantastic birthday gift by an opposing player, Kyle Walker in the lunchtime kick off of the BPL, having last won on his birthday 22years ago, Van Gaal handed debuts from the start to Serge Romero, Mart Darmian Memphis Depay and Morgan Schniederlin.

The decision to drop David DeGea came as a huge surprise hours before the game fueling speculations he could still head to the Bernabeu this summer, Romero however was faultless in a decent debut.

Spurs started firing and Romero was forced to action twice early on as Ericsen flashed wide and Walker tested him, against the run of play in the 22nd minute; Ashley Young's cross was met by the on rushing Kyle Walker who intercepted before Rooney could pounce albeit into his own net, the goal became the winner in a game few chances.

And so the Premier league begins with an own goal by Kyle Walker which gave #MUFC the win today. pic.twitter.com/7KOtJ1tmUm

— Futbolheadz (@TheFutbolheadz) August 8, 2015

FT: #MUFC 1-0 #COYS Walker's own goal is the difference! Can the Reds now mount a title challenge? Courtesy: BT Sport pic.twitter.com/SXyqmbIy8P

— fanatix (@therealfanatix) August 8, 2015

The own goal knocked the stuff out of the visitors as United gained momentum and threatened with crosses from Young and Rooney, Harry Kane's header was blocked late on the half and Romero saved again at the stroke of halftime.

The second half started slowly and Schweinstagger was handed a debut as he replaced Michael Carrick in the 62nd minute shortly after Spurs had taken off Bentaleb for Mason,  Depay's debut ended in the 68th minute as he was replaced by Ander Herrera, Pochetino threw in Eric Lamela at about the same time to replace Moussa Dembele.

Tottenham offered little going forward and were cautioned three times in the course of the game, Jan Vertonghen was shown the yellow in the 29th minute before Eric Dier and Dele Alli were booked in the second half, Schweinstagger was flashed the yellow two minutes into his debut and Juan Mata was booked in stoppage time

Sergio Romero was the stand out performer in goal for United as his timing and alertness kept the score line at 1:0... Is that goodbye to the Spanish prince?

Watch the full match highlights below:



Written by @Komptrolla