Manchester United opened the defense of their Premier League title by beating promoted Birmingham City 1-0 on Sunday. England striker Wayne Rooney scored the winner 12 minutes before the break. His header from a Nani cross came back off the post but he reacted quickly to stab in the rebound from close range. Last season's runners-up Liverpool slumped to a surprise 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Benoit Assou-Ekotto gave Tottenham the lead just before halftime but Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard leveled the score shortly after the restart after converting a penalty. French defender Sebastien Bassong, who joined from relegated Newcastle United, scored on his debut to hand Spurs all three points. Rooney's goal Original Video - More videos at TinyPic Liverpool-Tottenham match highlights