Your Charity Shield reactions

Liverpool have defeated Manchester United 2-1 in the Charity Shield in Cardiff.

What's your take on the action?

United had more possession and more goal-scoring chances, but it was Liverpool who prevailed on the day.

Gary McAllister continued his dream run with a first minute penalty after Roy Keane fouled Danny Murphy in the box.

And Michael Owen's hot streak continued when he latched on to an Emile Heskey flick and slid the ball under the advancing Barthez.

United rallied in the second half, Ruud van Nistelrooy slotting home on 50 minutes, but Liverpool's defence was up to the task.

United have now lost the last four Charity Shields, so can we read anything into the result?

How did you view the season's curtain-raiser? Send us your views.

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The shirts say Liverpool, their football says Wimbledon

  Paul, UK

I suspect that United were amazed at the superb Millennium Stadium and are now regretting not taking the cups more seriously. Liverpool have made Cardiff their second home now. The matches there have been more atmospheric and exciting than anything seen at Old Trafford.
David Crocker, England

It's always a particularly galling experience being beaten by the scousers, but I'm not unduly worried about the performance. We took them apart in the Second Half and opened them up at will. With Veron back in the side, I expect revenge will be sweet in the League games!
Andy M, UK

As a Liverpool fan I was pleased to see them win, and even more pleased to see Mr Beckham's winning streak falter at the first. However, Man Utd looked to have much more invention going forward, especially in the second half. Liverpool's counter attacking style seems effective but at times can make them a frustrating side to watch, especially with the talented players they have.
Ste, UK

The only chance that Liverpool have of winning the Premiership is if they decide on a permanent move to Cardiff. They were outplayed again, and they won again. United were stupid to give away an early penalty but certainly had complete control in the second half. Although Westerveld played outstandingly, I think Houllier should consider giving Henchoz a chance between the sticks. He definitely made the best save of the match.
Phil, England

Liverpool seem to have carried on from last season

  Mat, USA

It's the same as ever - Man Utd ask for a challenge, they get it, lose, then moan about the ref or the pitch or their shirt. It's quite sad actually.
Dan, Gillingham, UK

The shirts say Liverpool, their football says Wimbledon. Liverpool have abandoned the passing game, which is why the players that like to pass the ball were on the bench.
Paul, UK

Can someone explain to me why Liverpool had two goalkeepers in both this game and the Cup Final? With refereeing like that, even Everton would challenge for the title!
Charlie, England

The strength of the two teams underlined how desperately both teams wanted to win this game. Although the Charity Shield counts for little more than pride, both teams played to win. United were unlucky to lose. A draw would have been the just result. Liverpool seem to have carried on from last season. I predict a thrilling title race between United, Liverpool and Leeds.
Mat, USA

Liverpool had to win. After all, they were playing 12 men against 11. It's high time to get rid of poor referees.
Ajay, England

They were unlucky to concede from Liverpool's only two chances and the referee did them no favours

  Garry, England

Liverpool were fortunate - United had 2 legitimate penalty claims refused and dominated the second half. Liverpool showed no imagination and proved they cannot threaten United's hold on the Premiership.
Simon, Ireland

As a United fan I am very worried about our defence going forward. Fergie has to go and buy a defender. I would say Liverpool deserved it for defending as a team.
Peter McAllister, Scotland

Although United showed yet again their tendency to leek early goals through a lack of concentration, they proved that once they get going their possession football outclasses any team. They were unlucky to concede from Liverpool's only two chances and the referee did them no favours. Enjoy the win while you can Liverpool because United will not be so careless in future games.
Garry, England

I won't be getting carried away, but this was a more mature performance from Liverpool. The defence was solid and the midfield worked tirelessly. Up front, Heskey and Owen worked well in tandem. I was impressed with Riise, who looks a sound investment, and Hyypia, who was composure personified. And what about Sander?! Some of his saves were world class, and will have gone some way to silence the doubters.

United have a world-class team sitting in the dressing room, let's see what happens through the year

  Martin, Germany

This doesn't mean that Liverpool will surge to the title by any means, as United are still the team to beat and were very impressive in the second half. But it can't help but give the side confidence for the coming season. At the very least, I think Liverpool will be United's main title rivals this season.
Noel Warham, UK

United have a world-class team sitting in the dressing room, let's see what happens through the year...
Martin, Germany

Hahahaha! Winning every match? I don't think so Mr Beckham!
Uddin Sez, England

We are a strong resilient unit with the best attackers in England - surely that is what successful teams are made of.
Rory Fitzgerald, Ireland

Man Utd did not take the match lightly, yet they have been beaten by the very probable future Premiership winners. Veron and Cole were absent, but Liverpool had Gerrard and Fowler out. Michael Owen showed once more that he is a world-class striker, better than Nistelrooy. Now Liverpool should strengthen its defence, with Riis playing on the left and Carragher in the middle of the back four alongside Hyppia.
Nuvin Balloo, Mauritius

Man Utd now know that they won't have it all their own way this season

  Andy, Australia

It's all very well you Mancs saying it doesn't matter but it's three in a row now. You should start to be concerned because LFC have developed into a tough side to beat. LFC pushing you really hard is something you¿ve not experienced yet but I'm confident you will this season. ENJOY!
Peter Lloyd, Philippines

Superb result and good to see Beckham's desire to win every game this season falls within the first 90 minutes. Just wait for the Man Utd fans to say that the Charity Shield doesn't mean anything. If so, why did both teams field full-strength teams?
David, England

Liverpool should be delighted with the result. Man Utd now know that they won't have it all their own way this season and with the victory today, confidence will be an important factor for the first few games. Man Utd have two tricky games to start with against teams they won't know much about, Fulham and Blackburn. Bring on the Premiership season!
Andy, Australia

I just wonder if there are some new rules for this coming season regarding handballs inside the box and not using the advantage rule? The referee was a disgrace!
Per Are Ødegårdstuen, Norway

Let's wait 'til the real season starts next week before jumping to any conclusions

  Richard Shaw, Scotland

Well done Liverpool. We have shown the world we are serious contenders and Ferguson's face at the end of the match proved that. Still a very long way to go, but this was a great way to start the season. Good luck Liverpool, my prayers and millions more are with you for 2001/2002.
Somkiat, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Despite losing, I thought Utd looked good. Van Nistelrooy has looked particularly impressive pre-season. I thought the referee had a particularly bad game today, not allowing the game to flow on a number of occasions and not seeming to mind the Liverpool defenders using their hands. Lets just hope that we don't get all the 'Liverpool can win the title' talk as a result of today's outcome.
Michael Davies, Wales

Brilliant game. I hope the rest of the season is like this. Liverpool look strong and composed and all credit to them. Being a United supporter, it's hard to say that, but it's true. But in all honesty, the season has just begun. How about Van Nistelrooy? I think he'll end up top scorer. And for all the talk about United spending £48m, Liverpool's signing of Riise might be just as valuable. For those who reckon Liverpool dominated United, all I have to say is don't forget the two handballs. All that aside, what an exciting prospect for this season!
Imran Hashmi, UK

As a Liverpool fan I was glad to see us win, but the Charity Shield really means nothing. Let's wait 'til the real season starts next week before jumping to any conclusions.
Richard Shaw, Scotland

So much for Beckham's "let's win every game" goal

  Julian, UK

We lost the last three and look what happened. We lost it today and...let's see shall we? Enjoy the moment Scousers, 'cos it's not gonna last for long.
Imran Khan, UK

YES! Way to go Reds. I only regret not being able to watch Man Utd fall. Oh, how sweet the air seems today.
Lawrence from Torrance, USA

So much for Beckham's "let's win every game" goal. United fall at the first hurdle - should be a humbling experience for them.
Julian, UK

Everyone slagged Liverpool, off saying that they had no chance and that there was going to be a thrashing and how wrong they were. The best team won!
Justin Johnson, England