Nani inspiration gets United going

Nani's spectacular strike ensured Manchester United FC's winless start to the Premier League season ended with a 1-0 defeat of Tottenham Hotspur FC on Sunday while local rivals Middlesbrough FC and Newcastle United FC drew 2-2.

Nani heroics
The English champions had just two points from three games at kick-off and in the first minute Robbie Keane's chip hit the United crossbar. Although the home side had the better of the chances after that, Spurs twice nearly won it just after the hour when first Rio Ferdinand cleared Dimitar Berbatov's poked shot off the line and then Wes Brown blocked from the Bulgarian. Those interventions were vital as, with 23 minutes left, Nani struck his first competitive goal for United with a looping shot from 25 metres out via a deflection off Carlos Tévez to take his team to within five points of leaders Chelsea FC.

Newcastle denied
Newcastle remain unbeaten after three games under Sam Allardyce but twice lost leads against their north-eastern rivals. Charles N'Zogbia gave Newcastle the advantage midway through the first half with a curling effort but Mido swiftly equalised. Mark Viduka then struck what looked the winner against his old club with 13 minutes left but Middlesbrough responded quickly through Julio Arca.