Van Nistelrooy on parade

And the bigger picture will be the Champions League and the Premiership.

Matches between Manchester United and Liverpool always have an extra edge - and that will apply even more this time after Gerard Houllier's side did the double over the champions last season.

United will want to flex their muscles against a Liverpool side that, in some respects, overshadowed them last season with their dramatic successes in the FA Cup, Uefa Cup and Worthington Cup.

And they may also want to put their two showpiece summer signings Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Juan Sebastian Veron on show.

Liverpool have only signed �4m John Arne Riise from Monaco, but are assembling a gifted group of young English players such as Steven Gerrard that will rival United.

Ferguson will never turn his nose up at a win over their fiercest Premiership rivals, but his main ambition is to continue fine tuning for the opener against newly-promoted Fulham at Old Trafford.

Veron - quality

Victory in the Charity Shield is acceptable, but not essential.

Ferguson's main aim will be to prepare his squad in time for Fulham's arrival at Old Trafford.

United will use the game to demonstrate the vast weaponry at Ferguson's disposal, but he will be happy if they keep their powder dry for the start of the season.

It may even be that Ferguson, and his Anfield counterpart and great friend Gerard Houllier, will hold back their top players - not just to keep them fresh, but keep cards close to their chest.

Ferguson will regard the Charity Shield as a reward for last season's successes, not a pointer to the new campaign.

And given United's past record, who can blame him?