Manchester United 1 Blues 0 - Verdict
Birmingham were edged out at Old Trafford as Manchester United took an open game by the throat to win their opening game of the Premier League season.
Wayne Rooney's 34th minute goal proved to the winner, after Nani's cross had hit the post and got away from goalkeeper Joe Hart into his path.
A depleted Blues side were widely expected to be lambs to the slaughter in their first game back in the Premier League against the reigning champions, but had their own chances to avoid defeat.
The pick of what went begging was £9million striker Christian Benitez's golden opportunity in the 77th minute, the debutant sub thwarted by a one-handed super-save from goalkeeper Ben Foster after springing the offside trap.
Keith Fahey and lone striker Cameron Jerome also missed the target when well placed, while Patrice Evra had to head off the line from Franck Queudrue.
But Manchester United could also have been further ahead after Rooney and sub Michael Owen at the death were thwarted by Hart, while Lee Carsley cleared off the line from Dimitar Berbatov.
