Here's why Martin brought Manning with him to Southampton FC

The Irish full-back had allowed his contract at Swansea City to run its course, meaning he was available on a free transfer. Having contributed a career-best 15 goal involvements in his final season in South Wales, his availability naturally piqued the interest of several clubs.

Relegated Premier League side Leeds United were one of the sides rumoured to be interested in his services, but he instead chose to follow his former boss Russell Martin to the south coast.

During his three years at Swansea, the 27 year old played 109 times and quickly became a fan favourite. When it was announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of his contract the club’s supporters reacted by singing for him to stay.

And with good reason. Manning was the top-performing fullback in the Championship last season. His total of 5 goals and 10 assists was higher than any other player in that position, and the second-highest amongst non-forwards.

When compared to his teammates who played more than 500 minutes last season, he ranked highest for shot assists per 90 (2.06), key passes per 90 (0.67) and crosses per 90 (4.7).

Much of his individual success last season was down to Martin’s tactics.

The former Scotland international's preferred system at the Swansea.com Stadium saw two narrow number 10s deployed behind a single striker. Rather than traditional wingers, the width was provided by attack-minded wingbacks - in most cases from Manning specifically. 

In the series of images below, which have been taken from Swansea’s 3-2 win against West Brom, Manning’s position during build-up play can be seen.

Here goalkeeper Steven Benda has just received a back pass from Nathan Wood and instantly switches the ball out to Manning (who is out of frame).

Despite playing in defence, Manning is one of Swansea’s furthest forward players when he receives the pass right on the touchline.

His incredibly wide position provided him space to run into. Upon attempting to feed the ball to the overlapping Ollie Cooper, he is cut down by the recovering Tom Rogic.

All 14 of Manning’s offensive duels in that game against West Brom came in the opposition’s half - a clear demonstration of his tendency to vacate his position to push further upfield.

Blue circles indicate successful offensive duels. Black crosses indicate unsuccessful offensive duels.

READ MORE: What could Man City midfielder Shea Charles offer Southampton?

Fresh off the back of joining Saints, the Galway-born defender boarded the plane to Turkey with the majority of his new Saints teammates. 

Youngster Juan Larios didn't join the squad for their pre-season game against Goztepe as he continues to recover from injury, while Romain Perraud also remained at home.

The 25 year old was the club's designated left-back during their final season in the Premier League but saw his campaign cut short by injury. 

The season is over for me today.

Really disappointing to finish this way but it's football.

A difficult season where I learned a lot.

I will give everything to support my teammates for the next 4 games.

Thank you for your support Saints fans
see you soon ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/wTxe7VpRX6

— Romain Perraud (@Romain_Perraud) April 30, 2023

Manning is already well acquainted with what his manager demands, which will boost the likelihood that he will slot straight into the starting lineup. 

No player created more chances than Manning (89) in the Championship last season. When compared to his new French teammate, the six-time Ireland international ranks higher in most attacking metrics.

His 4.35 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes are markedly higher than Perraud's rate of 1.86 - although this data is caveated by the difference in competition they both faced.

Having a left-back who can produce goalscoring opportunities at a consistent rate should help alleviate the chance creation issues Southampton suffered last season.

In the images below, taken from Swansea’s 1-1 draw with Rotherham, Manning's eye for a goalscoring opportunity can be observed.

Two quick passes from Swansea have the Rotherham defenders backtracking. Manning’s understanding of his positional demands means he has already started to dart forward to support the burgeoning attack.

His run is spotted by Joe Allen, and upon receiving the ball he has multiple options in white in front of him. He could feed the ball to Ollie Cooper, whose wide position means he could cross into the box. Instead, he opts to delay the pass for a few seconds before finding Joel Piroe, who has made a late run to the edge of the box.

Manning’s fantastic vision is matched by an equally good low cross. Piroe takes one touch to set himself up before firing Swansea ahead.

Although most of Manning’s highlights from last season took place in the attacking third, he is more than a capable defender, while still having some room for improvement.

The former QPR man ranks in the 66th percentile for tackles won (1.34) and interceptions (1.31), when compared to other fullbacks who play outside the big five leagues.

His defensive attributes, combined with his aptitude to pass out from the back, saw him used as a centre-back on more than 30 occasions by Martin at Swansea.

After his success in the attacking third last season, it's difficult to see why Martin would opt to use him at the heart of defence again, however, it can’t be ruled out during a packed Championship schedule.

When Manning regains possession of the ball back, his first thought is to start an attack. An example of that can be seen during Swansea’s 2-0 victory against Bristol City.

Playing as a full-back in this game, the Irishman immediately retrieves the ball having gifted it to Alex Scott with a loose pass.

Under pressure from two Bristol City defenders, he attempts to dribble into the space on the left wing but is pulled down before he can launch an attack.

Having been fouled during his initial attempt, Manning wastes no time in kickstarting in trying again. He catches the Robins' defence sleeping by rolling a quick free-kick to Olivier Ntcham, which sets Swansea on the counter. 

Martin's transformation of Southampton's play style will take some time to perfect.

His squad have a short window of time to adjust to a totally new set of instructions.

With promotion back to the Premier League the target this season they can ill afford to drop crucial points early in the campaign.

However, recruiting players like Manning and Shea Charles, who are already accustomed to possession-heavy football, should speed up that process and, in Manning's case, add bonified quality at Championship level