Louis van Gaal’s era as Manchester United manager began in the manner former manager David Moyes’ ended as Swansea City came away from Old Trafford with a 2-1 win over the Red Devils in the opening match of the Premier League season.

Wayne Rooney began his first match as permanent captain of Man. United that was however missing striker Robin van Persie – given an extended break due to his World Cup exploits – as well as wingbacks Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia.

Young striker Jesse Lingard also had to go off injured early in the match, getting replaced by Belgian midfielder Adnan Januzaj as the United set-up was tweaked early on.

Sung-Yong Ki went on to give the visitors a 28th minute lead in a largely sluggish first half from both sides, shooting low to the bottom corner beyond Man. United goalkeeper David de Gea.

The Red Devils were however back on level terms eight minutes into the second half thanks to a close range overhead kick by Rooney off Phil Jones’ flick-on from a cornerkick.

The United captain then saw a free-kick hit the outside of the post just after the hour mark as the Red Devils threatened to take the lead.

That however would go to Swansea when a Wayne Routledge lay-off was drilled in from just inside the edge of the area by new signing Gylfi Sigurðsson.

There was late drama as Mike Dean waved away calls for a penalty as Spanish defender Àngel Rangel handled in the area, with the referee deciding it was a ball-to-hand moment.

Following the match, United manager Louis van Gaal stated his disappointment at losing, stating ”It is very disappointing that we have lost our first home match because we did not reach our level.”

He added that ” We didn’t play as a team… we were very nervous. I am responsible because you have to play in the structure.”

The result means Manchester United have now lost an opening league match at home for the first time since 1972, while this is Swansea’s second win at Old Trafford this year having beat the Red Devils out of the FA Cup last season.