Saints will tonight make a small slice of history when they take part in the first Premier League Friday night game of the new TV deal.

As part of the huge increase in cash clubs will receive for the next three years thanks to another significant rise in broadcasting revenues, there will be 12 Friday night fixtures over the course of the season.

Tonight is the first of them as Saints face Mourinho, Ibrahimovic, Pogba and co in their first Manchester United league game at Old Trafford.

It is undoubtedly a different challenge to prepare the team for the game, and will be unusual for Saints to have a weekend off so early in the season following the match, but it is something Claude Puel is used to from his time in France.

The Saints boss doesn’t see it as a problem for his squad.

He said: “I think it’s normal for me. It’s different in England and it’s difficult for us for example in France to play on Monday at 12 o’clock on the day, but to play on Friday is not a problem.

“Perhaps for the players because it’s the first time but it’s a good opportunity for the players and for Southampton to play the first game of the day and to show, I hope, good things.”

He added: “It’s important for the players to keep a good concertation, don’t think it’s the first game on the TV. The most important for this game is to keep a good concentration on our game and to play our football in good condition.

“It’s important for the team to play a good game because you play against United.

“I hope for the future we can play well for Southampton.”

The big occasions keep on coming for Puel, who made his Premier League debut in the draw against Watford and now has a massive trip to Old Trafford.

“This game and also all the Premier League is fantastic,” reflected Puel on his move to England.

“All the week we can play opponents with very good quality, fantastic and very great players.

“It’s interesting to play the Premier League and for the future for Southampton every three days in the Premier League to keep good quality and results also.

“This is a good challenge for me, the players and for Southampton.”