Southampton manager Claude Puel says his team can take confidence from their performance in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United

Saints bossed possession for long periods of the game against Manchester United, but couldn’t prevent a 2-0 defeat.

They also had a lot of the ball against Watford in their opening game, which ended 1-1.

The diamond formation has provided plenty of control but as yet the goals aren’t flowing.

However, Puel feels the fact chances have been created and missed is a sign that things will change.

He said: “I think it’s important to take confidence from our game.

“We can see it’s not the system that’s the most important. The most important for us is to play good football and all the time we play football we can have good opportunities.

“It was the same against Watford and we don’t play in the first half but in the second time we can see a good team and many possibilities. I think it’s the same to play and to believe our answer is positive is the most important.”

Puel was naturally disappointed not to take anything from Old Trafford, but still feels there were bright points to enjoy.

“It’s a pity at the final of this game with a lot of chances because we have many situations first half, and second half also,” reflected Puel.

“The first 15 minutes after we practise good football, good opportunities and we can score before United take this goal which is a mistake.

“The second at beginning of the half was bad for my players because it wasn’t a good start to the second half and this penalty allowed United to play on the counter attack and after that it was difficult.

“It’s a pity of course but I think there are positives also for the future.”

Jose Mourinho, in his first game in charge of United, felt Saints set up their diamond midfield just to defend and keep the ball.

He said: "We were always in control. I think we won comfortably and the result could be bigger.

"It's a natural evolution of things. The way we are playing football. The kind of football we are trying to play.

"Sometimes we don't but we always try to do that kind of football the way that the team is defending because it's a completely different way to defend.

"(Things are improving by) Evolution, step-by-step, the integration of players, working together. Some players (have been here just) for one week like Paul (Pogba), others three weeks, four weeks. They are arriving step-by-step and I think it's impossible to demand more from the boys.

"(We have here) A great spirit, everybody working really hard and I'm pleased."