Liverpool lead Manchester United at the halfway point of their International Champions Cup final in Miami courtesy of a Steven Gerrard penalty.
The Reds skipper stepped up to convert from 12 yards after Phil Jones mistimed his 14th-minute challenge on Raheem Sterling at the Sun Life Stadium.
England international Sterling was felled again in the box later in the half, but the American referee did not point to the spot for a second time, allowing United midfielder Ander Herrera a let-off.
It was Louis van Gaal's side who created the first opening of the half, with Ashley Young, who scored twice last time out against Real Madrid, crossing for Javier Hernandez to narrowly guide wide.
Young's delivery was a good source of United pressure throughout the opening 45 minutes, but Liverpool were the more threatening team overall as Jordan Henderson headed over before Gerrard's penalty.
Philippe Coutinho would have doubled the Anfield outfit's advantage on 24 minutes had it not been for a fine save from David de Gea, who got down well to save the Brazilian's low strike from 25 yards out.
