West Brom 1-2 Manchester United: 5 Things We Learned About the Champions

Manchester United began their Premier League title defense with a hard-earned 2-1 victory against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns today.

United went ahead through a well-taken Wayne Rooney strike early on, only for Shane Long to bring the sides level on 37 minutes with a weak effort that somehow found a way past David de Gea.

Despite dominating possession (59 percent), United had to wait until the 81st minute to find a winner. Ashley Young was the instigator, bursting into the West Brom box before seeing his effort deflected home for a Steven Reid own goal.

United's victory was soured somewhat by injuries to first-choice central defenders Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, however. Ferdinand (hamstring) looks set to be out for six weeks, while early indications suggest Vidic (calf) will miss two weeks.

Here are five things we learned about the champions this afternoon...

Another Present, Not Enough Presence from David De Gea

Sir Alex Ferguson is surely a little worried about his new goalkeeper. David de Gea was beaten too easily by Edin Dzeko last Sunday, and once again by Shane Long this afternoon.

Neither effort was hit with particular venom; both found their way past De Gea well inside his far post.

It's still early days for the 20-year-old, but confidence is a fragile thing with goalkeepers and you wonder how long Ferguson will keep faith in him if mistakes like that keep happening.

Perhaps sensing his vulnerability, De Gea was given a thorough working over by West Brom. He can expect more of the same.

Ashley Young Can Be a Matchwinner

Ashley Young has got his Manchester United career off to flying start on the left flank and already looks like a veteran of Ferguson's team.

The England winger is full of movement, seems to be begging for the ball at every opportunity, and is gelling superbly with his new teammates.

With Nani on the opposite wing, United have two very effective angles of attack and counter-attack potential that bodes well for Europe.

Wayne Rooney Could Be in for a Career-Defining Season

Manchester United have a very different Wayne Rooney at the start of this season than they did at the start of last.

Rooney looks fitter than ever and to have fully recaptured the swagger that went missing at the 2010 World Cup. His movement and distribution were first class at The Hawthorns as was the clinical finish that delivered his first goal of the season.

If he stays fit, Rooney could have a career-defining campaign ahead of him.

United Should Give Wesley Sneijder Whatever He Wants

Sir Alex Ferguson opted for Tom Cleverley alongside Anderson in central midfield today, with Michael Carrick resigned to a spot on the bench.

While Cleverley's potential once again shone though, he didn't quite have the impact he did against Manchester City last week.

Anderson was his usual industrious self, but there was still something missing from the United midfield. It's been said many times before, but they're crying out for an experienced, creative presence in there to run the show.

If there's any hope for the Wesley Sneijder deal, Ferguson should do everything in his powers to make it happen this week.

Ferguson's Next-Generation Defense Are Ready to Step Up

With Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, and Rafael da Silva injured, Sir Alex Ferguson will be forced to shuffle his defensive pack early this season.

Fortunately for United, with the likes of Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, and Chris Smalling to call on, Ferguson should feel fairly confident that he has a more than adequate plan B.

All three put in assured performances this afternoon and will relish the opportunity to stake their claims over the next few weeks.