United ride luck to register first win

 This was still far from convincing from the champions, though, and Tottenham were left cursing their luck.

 Robbie Keane clipped the bar with a floater within 20 seconds, but it was the five minutes immediately before United's winner that left Spurs feeling aggrieved as two penalty shouts were turned down.

 Replays suggested referee Howard Webb got both decisions right, but they were borderline.

 First Dimitar Berbatov collided with Nemanja Vidic before recovering to jab a shot goalwards that was cleared off the line by Rio Ferdinand, then the Bulgarian forward, having hurdled goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, saw his shot blocked by the ribs of Wes Brown, with the defender's arm was only a fraction away.

 United's goal came from Nani after 68 minutes, although the Portuguese youngster's shot seemed to take a slight deflection off Carlos Tevez on its way past Paul Robinson.

 Middlesbrough and Newcastle drew 2-2 in the day's lunchtime kick-off.

 Newcastle remain unbeaten in the league this season, but having twice had the lead they will see this as an opportunity missed.

 Charles N'Zogbia put them ahead with a majestic curler, but Mido soon added his second in two games for the club to level.

 Mark Viduka held off Jonathan Woodgate to score against his former club and restore Newcastle's lead, but Julio Arca's 20-yard drive levelled the scores within three minutes.

DPA