Claude Puel Praises Defensive Unit as Saints Keep Third Clean Sheet in Five After Man Utd Draw

Southampton manager Claude Puel saw his side draw 0-0 with Manchester United on Wednesday in their penultimate Premier League game of the season at St Mary’s.

Sergio Romero kept the Saints at bay all evening and even saved a fifth minute penalty from Manolo Gabbiadini after Eric Bailly was adjudged to have handled in the box. 

Oriol Romeu, James Ward-Prowse and Jay Rodriguez all came close to breaking the deadlock, but it wasn’t to be with both teams settling for the point. 

Speaking to Southampton’s ?official website after the game, Puel said: “All the team defended well and at the end of the game it was difficult to keep a strong defensive unit because we had many offensive players to try and win. I’m happy for the reaction of the players in the second-half because it was better.”

On the return of Matt Targett, Puel added: “It’s the same thing like Jérémy Pied against Middlesbrough. It was great to see him again in a difficult game. It was difficult to finish for him at the end which is normal for a first game but it was a good game.

“We will see if we can also give game time to Charlie Austin which will be a good feeling for the whole team.”

Stoke City are the final visitors to St Mary’s this season in a game which Puel will be looking to win to secure 8th spot. It’s the first time in seven seasons that Southampton won’t improve upon their previous league position, finishing sixth last year.