SAINTS were handed a significant European boost today as Manchester United's extra-time 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Crystal Palace sent them straight into the group stages of the Europa League.

Ronald Koeman’s side secured qualification for European competition after their 4-1 thrashing of Palace on the last day of the Premier League season.

However, they have been sitting tight over which stage they will enter the competition at as United played their remaining league game and the FA Cup final.

After the Red Devils defeated AFC Bournemouth 3-1 in their rearranged league climax, Saints were pushed down to sixth and had to wait on the final result at Wembley to discover their fate.

A Palace win would have sent them into the qualifying process through late July and August, but Louis van Gaal did his nemesis Koeman a big favour by leading United to their first FA Cup win in 12 years.

Koeman and van Gaal have had a strained relationship since they worked together at Ajax in 2004.

Saints first group stage game will take place in mid-September.