Sadio Mane says he is happy to still be at Southampton after links with Manchester United

Mane has buried the whole affair and dismissed any lingering thoughts of a switch to Old Trafford. The 23-year-old was reportedly targeted by Red Devils’ boss Louis van Gaal last month as he looked to bolster his attacking options.

Saints were quick to dismiss that any move was on the cards, with manager Ronald Koeman stressing that the Senegal international wouldn’t be moving to Manchester.

The former Red Bull Salzburg player, has now spoken for the first time about the United link and was keen to stress his commitment to Saints.

“In football we always have, like this, many of you move but I have a contract with Southampton,” he explained.

He added, with a beaming smile: “I’m happy here, the fans like me, which means I’m doing my job properly.

“I’m happy here – that’s the most important (thing).”

In fact, any move couldn’t be further from Mane’s mind and he has been focused on helping his new team-mates settle in and getting Saints’ season on track after an up and down start.

“The more important thing is that they’re here with us,” he said about the eight new signings at St Mary’s. “They also have many qualities and this is good for the team and I’m happy for them.

“They are doing well.”

When asked about Saints’ frustrating start, he said: “Yeah, but it is important because I’m here in Southampton.

“I’m happy here, but as the beginning we have some difficulties, but it’s football, you have to forget it and keep going and work hard.”

The attacker was keen to talk about his recent form, which has seen him scored three goals in two games – rather than affairs away from St Mary’s.

In his last five league appearances at St Mary’s he has scored four and assisted four goals.

“Yeah, I’m happy,” he said, after scoring his first league goal of the season against Swansea. “Because every player want to score.

“But for the team, the more important was the team, so you score for the team.”