MX23RW : Friday, February 7 08:23:43| >> :60:55:55:

Swansea City beat Manchester United in Premier League opener

Manchester United lose 2-1 to Swansea City in their first Premier League match under new manager Louis van Gaal.

Swansea City have won the opening match of the new Premier League season by beating Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Gylfi Sigurdsson of Swansea City celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford on August 16, 2014© Getty Images

Gylfi Sigurdsson had the first chance of the match when the visitors were awarded a free kick 25 yards out, but his curling effort was held by David de Gea.

Swansea continued to test the hosts, and took the lead with just under half-an-hour gone when the ball fell to Ki Sung-yueng on the edge of the box, allowing the midfielder to drill it into the bottom corner.

Ki Sung-Yeung is congratulated by his Swansea teammates after scoring the opener against Man United on August 16, 2014© AFP

The hosts showed more urgency before the break, but Swansea's defence held firm to ensure that they led heading into half time.

Louis van Gaal's side were back on level terms early in the second half when Wayne Rooney struck the ball on the volley from the six-yard box.

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford on August 16, 2014© Getty Images

The newly-appointed captain came close to adding a second later in the half as he tried his luck from a free kick, striking the ball against the crossbar.

The miss proved costly though as Swansea regained the lead when Sigurdsson fired in from close range after Wayne Routledge scuffed his initial effort.

Bafetimbi Gomis had a chance to score on his Premier League debut for the visitors after coming off the bench, but a last-gasp challenge from Phil Jones denied the Swansea striker.

United's Adnan Janujaz is approached by Swansea midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson on August 16, 2014© AFP

Ashley Young had a half chance from 25 yards late on as the hosts desperately looked for a late equaliser, but Lukasz Fabianski was left to make a comfortable save.

United pressed again as Adnan Januzaj tried to get a shot away deep into stoppage time, but his effort was accidentally blocked by Rooney, allowing Swansea to hold on for the win.

ID:171371: cacheID:171371:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6295:
Written by
Sian Cowper
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United's Jesse Lingard in action during a friendly match against Yokohama F.Marinos on July 23, 2013
Read Next:
Team News: Lingard, Blackett make Man Utd debuts
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool23175156213556
2Arsenal24148249222750
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest24145540271347
4Chelsea24127547311643
5Manchester CityMan City24125748351341
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle24125742291341
7Bournemouth24117641281340
8Aston Villa2410773437-337
9Fulham249963632436
10Brentford24103114342133
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton248973539-433
12Crystal Palace247982830-230
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd2485112834-629
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs24831348371127
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham2476112946-1727
16Everton236892328-526
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2454153452-1819
18Leicester CityLeicester2445152553-2817
19Ipswich TownIpswich2437142249-2716
20Southampton2423191854-369


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!