Boss wary of Saints

absolutely, it’s a certainty. Chelsea and Arsenal will drop points. We’ll probably drop two or three ourselves but the important thing is accepting the challenge that every game is just as difficult as the rest.”

Having managed United for over 26 years, Sir Alex has become a mentor to many other bosses around the country and regularly receives calls for advice. He conversed with Pochettino's predecessor Nigel Adkins just prior to the sudden change of management at St Mary's.

“I spoke to him the day before he was sacked,” Sir Alex revealed. “He phoned me about his situation there. I mean I can’t understand these things. I think their form had picked up. Was it two defeats in 12 games? That’s not bad for a team at the bottom of the league.

“Southampton’s fans have got a way of demonstrating and there were a few banners up at the Everton game. It’s nice in terms of recognising the contribution Adkins made. He brought them up into the division and it’s not an easy job.

“The game prior to losing his job, they were 2-0 down to Chelsea but they came back and got a draw. Arsenal had the same situation and got to 2-1 but couldn’t quite get the second goal. The task of getting back at Chelsea on their home ground when you’re 2-0 down is pretty impressive."

Although bemused by Adkins' dismissal, Sir Alex has been around long enough to understand the ruthlessness of football.