Manchester United star Juan Mata admitted Saints manager Ronald Koeman has been a “very important” influence on his career ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash.

The St Mary’s head managed the Spanish attacker during his time at the helm of Valencia back in 2007/08.

Mata is looking forward to the reunion with Koeman tonight as fourth placed Saints welcome fifth placed United (8pm ko). The 26-year-old admitted in his blog: "It’s going to be a special reunion.

"Since Ronald Koeman was my manager in Valencia when I won my first title as a professional footballer: the Copa del Rey.

"He was very important in my career because he gave me confidence and I played regularly, which is what every young player needs in his early years."