Man Utd 1 Birmingham 0

Wayne Rooney stepped out of Cristiano Ronaldo's enormous shadow to ensure Manchester United began the defence of their Premier League title with a 1-0 victory over Birmingham. Rooney rised to meet Nani's cross, then tapping home when his 34th-minute header bounced back off a post.

Foster (7.5): Played well and cleared his lines with solid punching. A great save from Benitez.

Fabio (6.5): Was a threat going forward, but defnsively, out of position on occasions.

O'Shea (6.5): Not much to do most of the time.

Evans (6.5): Not much from Birmingham's lone striker.

Evra (8): Attack well during 1st half, made a goal line clearnace and good tackles.

Valencia (6.5): Need to shoot when in good position, easing into the team.

Fletcher (6): Save him for bigger matches, not much of an attacking threat. A bad miss!

Scholes (6.5): Almost got yellow with his rash challenges. Decent outing.

Nani (7): Made good runs and the defenders got phyiscal and injured him.

Rooney (8): A goal! Link up play with Berbatov is good.

Berbatov (7): Great touches, but not much support from midfield.

Giggs sub Nani (45min, 6): Ok, did not do too much
Owen sub Berbatov (74min, 6.5) Missed late chance, but made good runs
Brown sub Evans (74min, 5.5) Not much to do