Claude Puel insisted that Saints will not be heading to Wembley to make up the numbers and has set his sights on a first piece of major silverware for the club in 41 years.

Puel has led his side to the League Cup final in his first season in charge to book a first major final in 14 years for Saints.

A 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, which gave a 2-0 aggregate win, sealed a remarkable charge to Wembley that has seen Saints defeat four Premier League sides on the way, without conceding a goal in their five matches.

Saints will learn their opponents for the February 26 encounter tomorrow night, with Manchester United heavy favourites to get past Hull.

But Puel is adamant Saints will not be going just to enjoy the occasion, but instead are intent on winning.

“When we play against this great teams, these great players, it is important to think not just about their quality but it is important to stay focussed about our play always,” said Puel.

“When we prepared this game, the second leg, it was not the result the most important but the possibility after the recovery to have good football and possibilities to put problems for this team.

“I think in the two games it was this. It was fantastic first leg at home and we deserve more goals I think.

“Just with one goal up to play the second leg was difficult but the first half after every recovery we had the qualities to get opportunities and chances. This was important.

“Second half was difficult but now we will play against Manchester United but it’s not Manchester United of course, it’s to play a great team to play our play always.

“We will see with players at that level because today we have many problems to prepare this game with the injury of van Dijk, Boufal not qualified because of the Morocco selection prevents him to play until the end of the competition. It’s not normal.

“We have many problems but it was fantastic from the squad.”

Saints had a disappointing exit from the Europa League at the group stages, and Puel thinks this helps in some way to make up for it.

“Yes. It’s an important big game, not just to play this final but perhaps to see another qualify for the European games,” he reckoned.

“It will be important for the squad to continue the work, to improve, and know the possibilities to play European games.

“All the information when they improve it’s important to put all this experience for next year in European games. It will be important to qualify.”