Losing start for LVG as United's frailties clear to see

The optimism associated with the start of the Louis van Gaal era was evaporated during ninety dismal minutes at Old Trafford, as Swansea City claimed a 2-1 victory in the North West.

United failed to build on an excellent pre-season, suffering their first opening day defeat since 1972. The hosts lacked any sort of cutting edge against the 2013 League Cup winners and slipped to a sixth home defeat of the calendar year.

Defensive frailties were clear to see. Swansea's patient game plan proved effective, and they always looked dangerous in possession and on the counter-attack; and will feel as if Ki Sung-yueng's first-half opener, a neat finish from the edge of the box, was well deserved.

Wayne Rooney pegged the Jacks back moments into the second-half, bundling home from close range, but it failed to spur on United, who included Tyler Blackett in defence and summer acquisition Ander Herrera in midfield.

Gylfi Sigurdsson ensured the visitors took the points back to South West Wales, poking home from a goal mouth scramble to the delight of the travelling supporters.

For United, hopes of a return to type after David Moyes' disastrous spell look, at best, hopeful. Optimists will point to United's absentees and highlight that van Gaal's new approach will take time to reap rewards.

However, Saturday's defeat demonstrated the urgent need for reinforcements, with United looking predictably shaky at the back and lacking a creative spark.

Next up, it's Sunderland's away.

Full Time - Manchester United 1-2 Swansea City (Attendance: 75,339)