RALPH Hasenhuttl was left “convinced” with both Moussa Djenepo’s and Sofiane Boufal’s performances against Fulham.

The duo were handed their first starts of the season in a Saints shirt and lasted the entire 90 minutes of last night’s Carabao Cup win at Craven Cottage.

Djenepo, fresh from scoring an excellent goal against Brighton, almost won a penalty in the second half when he was taken out on the edge of the area.

Hasenhuttl said: “I wouldn’t say both surprised me, but they convinced me how they worked for the team against the ball.

“We had a good meeting in the morning to show them everything to do.

“It was an intense meeting, but I think they listened very well. They are open-minded and understood what I wanted to see.”

Although the pair played well against Fulham, the Saints boss revealed it was too early to decide whether they would be handed a Premier League start against Manchester United on Saturday.

Despite giving the ball away on a few occasions at Craven Cottage, Boufal continued to show glimpses of his technical ability and skill.

He showcased a wide array of ways to lose an opponent in the middle of the park with a simple flick of the ball or a quick turn.

Saints winger Nathan Redmond previously admitted that the Moroccan could be a huge player for the club if he ups his work rate when he isn’t in possession, which is what he did against Fulham.

But Hasnehuttl admitted an attacker could give way this Saturday if he looks to shore up the defence by reverting to a back five at St Mary’s.

He added: “We must have a look [if they will start].

“I have a few options and I don’t know the shape yet or how I want to play.

“It could be with a back five, so then I would have one less upfront.”