Rooney helps United as Liverpool lose

Wayne Rooney proved decisive as Manchester United began their Premier League title defence with a 1-0 home win over newly promoted Birmingham City, while prospective challengers Liverpool kicked off with a 2-1 loss at Tottenham Hotspur.

Trying to become the first club to collect four consecutive Premier League crowns, United created plenty of openings as they strived to demonstrate they have not been weakened by the summer departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.