Man United 1-0 Tottenham: 5 things we learned as Louis van Gaal's new-look side begin with a win

A first-half Kyle Walker own goal was enough to give the Red Devils the points at Old Trafford, as five of Van Gaal's summer signings made their debuts

Manchester United opened the season with a victory - but there was more than a touch of good fortune about it.

Louis van Gaal's men were second best to Tottenham at Old Trafford until the tide of the contest turned decisively in the 22nd minute.

United capitalised on Nabil Bentaleb's misplaced pass to break through Juan Mata and Ashley Young.

When Young crossed for Wayne Rooney, the United skipper looked certain to open his goal account, but Kyle Walker got back to make a recovery tackle - only to see the ball agonisingly into the net.

United improved after going ahead and Van Gaal will be delighted with his team's winning start.

But what did we learn from the season opener at Old Trafford?

Get lucky

Whoops: Kyle Walker nets the winner... at the wrong end

Kyle Walker thought he had made a goal-saving tackle to jab the ball off Wayne Rooney's foot just as the United captain was pulling the trigger. The Spurs full-back couldn't believe his misfortune when the ball rolled beyond Michel Vorm and nestled in the net. Spurs were the better team to that point, but it was to prove the decisive moment.

United now play thrill-free football

No thrills: Results are the priority under Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal has a different way of winning football matches than Sir Alex Ferguson. The Dutchman puts discipline ahead of flair and, as a consequence, the free-flowing attacking football of the Fergie era is no longer on show at Old Trafford. Van Gaal has proved in Holland, Germany and Spain that his methods work, but it remains to be seen whether United fans will enjoy his philosophy long-term.

United need another centre-back