If there is one man who knows all about the threat of Zlatan Ibrahimovic it is Claude Puel. But coming up with a way to stop him has proved rather elusive thus far.

The respective paths of the now Saints boss and Manchester United striking legend have crossed no fewer than 13 times – mainly in France where Ibrahimvoic was a star with Paris St Germain and once in England.

The Swede has been a menace to a number of managers down the years, and certainly Puel falls into that category with Ibrahimovic having netted eight times in their previous encounters, including twice at Old Trafford early this season.

Despite his advancing years, Puel is far from stunned to see the success the 35-year-old Ibrahimovic is enjoying with 24 goals to his name already during a first campaign in England.

He said: “I cannot be surprised about Ibrahimovic because I know him very well from the French Premier League.

“In the French league he was a fantastic player but all the people say: ‘Ok, it is French league, it is not the English Premier League' but he has come here, he is 35 and he can do a fantastic job, fantastic work.

“He is clinical, very efficient and also he gives a good authority to the team. He is a character player.”

He added: “He is very self-confident – he plays with this. He is a strong man and a strong partner.

“In Paris he gave a good atmosphere around the team and gave for his team a fantastic confidence. To do this at 35 is fantastic and we can see with this player, it is fantastic to see him. The hat-trick against St Etienne and he confirms it every time.

“He doesn't run a lot but always with a good run, with good play, good gesture. It is fantastic to see him.”

It will be down to Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida to try and shackle him, but they won’t have to deal with the threat of Henrikh Mkhitaryan who will miss the game through injury, though the news didn’t seem to come as a particular relief to Puel.

“Perhaps, but with all the good players in the squad of Manchester they can have solution and replace him with great players,” he reflected.

“I think we didn’t see all the good players of Manchester. I think it’s important to stay focussed and keep a good concentration about our play. I think this is the most important.”