Saints will tonight try to make it a hat-trick of consecutive wins at Old Trafford as they attempt to spoil Jose Mourinho’s big night.

Saints have put together back-to-back 1-0 victories at the home of the Red Devils over the last two seasons, and haven’t lost there since 2013 having also record a draw in that time.

The game is a huge occasion for United with Mourinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba all making their home league bows.

But Claude Puel believes his side are up to the challenge of trying to ruin the party.

He said: “I’m sure they (United) can be one of the favourites for the win of the championship. I hope we can slow down and take one or three points from Manchester United.

“The most important for us is not to consider this as a great team with great players but consider them as opponents with good opportunities to make a good game and to make a good result. This is important for us.”

How Saints handle Ibrahimovic could be vital to the final result.

Puel knows the threat he poses all too well from his time in France, with the Swedish striker having scored 11 times in seven matches against his sides.

“I think he scored also against other teams without a problem,” joked Puel.

“He’s a fantastic player and of course he can score without opportunities. It’s a fantastic player and difficult to take him.

“I think all the time against Ibra or other players it is our collective that is the most important.”

Saints could also come up against Pogba following his eye watering £89m move to Old Trafford.

“I don’t know if Pogba can play this game but it’s another very good player that can play for this team,” admitted Puel.

“All the great players cannot play in all the positions. It’s not possible.

“Good players cannot make a result. It’s important to stay on our game.”

The two 1-0 victories at Old Trafford came about a year apart with Dusan Tadic scoring in the first of them and Charlie Austin netting the winner in the second.

Puel is quite clear what his side need to do to give themselves the best possible chance of getting another win, and not concern themselves with how big a game it is for United.

“I think it’s important for this team (United) and this manager (Mourinho) of course, the same as it was important our first game against Watford for our fans,” said Puel.

“I think this is their problem. Our problem for us is to have good opportunities against this team and to have a good feeling and a good concentration about this game and to take any opportunity for us.”