Mark Hughes has given his thoughts ahead of Saints' game against Manchester United on Saturday.

Here are five things the manager spoke about.

1. The reports of other managers being linked to his job:

Daily Echo:

Former QPR boss Paulo Sousa has been linked with Hughes' job

"I think that’s where experience comes in because it’s water off a duck’s back. I know how this game works.

"The reality is if people surmise a manager is under pressure almost every sports agent in the country will put forward clients and debate and try and get in contact with the powers that be and say ‘this is the right guy if you are thinking of making a change.’"

2. Why they've been struggling this season:

Daily Echo:

Manolo Gabbiadini

“It’s fair to say that at the top end of the pitch we haven’t converted enough of our chances.

“In almost every game we have good levels of shots on target and attempted shots but don’t convert enough of them.

“On occasions defensively, we have been found wanting and it has seems that whenever we do make a mistake it is capitalised on by the opposition.”

3. Getting a positive result against Man Utd:

“It’s an opportunity for us and not one we should be fazed by or apprehensive about.

“People will look at the games ahead of us and say it’s a huge challenge and that’s what we got ahead of us and maybe we need to do it the hard wat.

“The supporters will be ready and up for playing Man Untied and we have to tap into that.”

4. How to turn draws into wins:

“It’s fine margins.

“Luck is a huge thing in sport and you have to have a modicum go your way.

“You have to make your own luck but the other night we get a goal chalked off that should have stood, hit the crossbar twice, the keeper made good saves, we were the better side and should have gone through, but we didn’t.”

5. Team news:

Daily Echo:

Danny Ings scores against Manchester City

“We are still missing Danny [Ings] unfortunately.

“He hasn’t bene on the grass yet. We hoped to get him back, but it hasn’t been possible. He had a slight setback, nothing major but we are waiting to get him ready.

Ryan Bertrand is struggling with an issue with his back which has flared up again.

“We have managed it in the past, but it is causing anxiety at the moment and he hasn’t trained for a number of days.”