SAINTS manager Russell Martin insisted he hopes to find himself under the same scrutiny as Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag in future.

The Dutchman is starting his third season in charge at Old Trafford, having won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup since he arrived in Manchester.

United's ten Hag is under pressure after finishing eighth in the Premier League last season and off the back of a 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool.

Martin hit back at criticism of his playing style this week after three losses in Southampton's first three matches - but he relishes the challenge.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's match against United, Martin said: "I don't know him and haven't come across him but I've watched a lot of his team recently.

"I hope to be under that level of scrutiny that he is someday in a job like that. Of course, it has to be the aim.

"They are a team full of really top players that on their day can hurt anyone. We have to make sure that we approach the game in our way.

"We want to try and be the team we want to be at home and really bring a performance and a result that we can be proud of.

"I don't think any of us are underestimating Manchester United, the challenge, what it takes to play for that club or the level of individual talent they have.

"The coach they have and the level he's been at, I don't think any of us are underestimating. It's going to be tough. It'll be a really tough game."

The fixture will also see a return of former director of football Jason Wilcox, who departed St Mary's for Old Trafford towards the end of last season.

Wilcox, 53, joined Man United to become their new technical director nine months after arriving at Saints after the two clubs agreed on a compensation fee.

Martin continued; "I know ten Hag is working with a guy that I had the pleasure of working with in Jason Wilcox.

"He'll be there supporting him, I'm sure, because he's a great person. I owe him a lot for giving me the opportunity here and the relationship we had."