Manchester United's stuttering start to the defence of the Premier League title became a full-blown slump on Sunday when they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City.

The win, courtesy of Geovanni's 31st minute shot, left Sven-Goran Eriksson's City top of the league with a maximum nine points and looking down on their rivals who languish just outside the bottom three with two points.

It is United's worst start to a Premier League season since 1992 when they managed just one point from their opening three matches. It is also the worst start by any defending champions.

United's main title rivals all dropped points, however. Liverpool and Chelsea drew 1-1 at Anfield, Frank Lampard's [Images] harshly-awarded penalty cancelling out Fernando Torres' opener, while Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers.

"We really should have sewn the game up even before they'd crossed the halfway line. We've only got ourselves to blame -- let's make no mistake about that," United manager Alex Ferguson told the club's Web site (www.manutd.com).

An untidy Manchester derby at Eastlands was settled after 31 minutes by Geovanni, one of the numerous foreign signings made by former England [Images] boss Eriksson since taking charge last month.

The Brazilian midfielder delivered a low swerving shot that skimmed off the shin of United defender Nemanja Vidic before nestling inside the post.

It is United's worst start to a Premier League season since 1992 when they managed just one point from their opening three matches. It is also the worst start by any defending champions.

United's main title rivals all dropped points, however. Liverpool and Chelsea drew 1-1 at Anfield, Frank Lampard's harshly-awarded penalty cancelling out Fernando Torres' opener, while Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers.

"We really should have sewn the game up even before they'd crossed the halfway line. We've only got ourselves to blame -- let's make no mistake about that," United manager Alex Ferguson told the club's Web site (www.manutd.com).

An untidy Manchester derby at Eastlands was settled after 31 minutes by Geovanni, one of the numerous foreign signings made by former England boss Eriksson since taking charge last month.

The Brazilian midfielder delivered a low swerving shot that skimmed off the shin of United defender Nemanja Vidic before nestling inside the post.

Eriksson, enjoying a dream start to his return to English football, praised his defenders for a resolute performance.

"Today we defended very well, our back line and goalkeeper were fantastic," the Swede told the BBC. "I'm very happy, nine points and three clean sheets.

"We'll enjoy the night but the season is very long ... today we had a bit of luck."