So, tomorrow is the big day! Saints take on Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday afternoon in the final of the EFL Cup.

In order to learn just how the oppositions’ fans are feeling ahead of the clash, I spoke to Read Man United editor James Browning.

Here’s what he had to say!


What exactly has Jose Mourinho changed since coming in?

The key change isn’t on the pitch, but a mental one. The players seem really subscribed to his way of doing things and everyone at the club looks happier – and obviously this translates onto the pitch.

In terms of play, it’s the build-up which has improved the most – we’re no longer tapping it around on the edge of the box looking for the perfect goal. It’s more direct and more like the United we want to see!

Saints’ defensive worries have been well documented, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in fine form. Can you see him being the difference on the day?

A player of Zlatan’s mould is key in any big game – with 24 goals so far this season and an incredible track record, I fully expect him to score tomorrow – but I think the difference maker will be Ander Herrera, as the midfield battle will be the most important, given how Southampton set up.

What have you made of Saints’ season so far?

I expected more from Southampton in Europe – some of the sides who progressed further are clearly not at the same level, at least on paper. I think on the whole, the Premier League campaign so far has been under-par… I would have expected the Saints to be in the Europa League places, not behind West Brom (although Pulis’ side are doing a phenomenal job!).

Claude Puel has come under much criticism from a large chunk of our fanbase. How well do you think he’s doing at Saints?

I think he needs to be cut some slack – he’s not got the easiest job in the world and I like what he’s doing at the club. More sides should look to build on youth in the way that he is an the signing of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was fantastic. I haven’t seen loads of him this season but I saw him at Bayern and he’s a real diamond, just waiting to be polished.

Who do you see as Saints’ main threat tomorrow?

Manolo Gabbiadini. He’s physical and fairly quick, and we’ve already seen that he’s clinical. I’m surprised Napoli let him go without too much of a fuss and I can easily see him getting ten goals in the remainder of the season.

Give us a score prediction!

2-1 to United. I think the game will be tight in the first half and wouldn’t even be too surprised to see Southampton take the lead, but at least one of Rashford, Martial and Lingard will be coming off the bench and their pace will be what unlocks it for United. Ibrahimovic, Pogba and Gabbiadini with the goals.


I’d like to thank James for taking the time out to answer my questions. You can follow him on Twitter here – @JamesBrowning96