SIR ALEX FERGUSON was quick to join Saints' growing list of admirers after watching his side scrape a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United boss praised Gordon Strachan's men for their recent run of form and also the entertaining way they played football.

Fergie, who managed Strachan at Aberdeen and Manchester United, said: "Southampton are a very good footballing side, who are very confident at the moment.

"I have always thought about Southampton that when they come here they give it a go.

"Players like Jimmy Case, Alan Shearer and Matt Le Tissier are typical of the attacking nature they play the game."

A late winner from Diego Forlan secured the three points for United after Fabrice Fernandes had equalised Phil Neville's opener with a brilliant left-foot strike.

Saints were level for more than 80 minutes and unquestionably deserved at least a share of the spoils.

And although Saints went away empty handed they certainly continued their impressive run of form following four straight victories in October and should still head to Anfield in the Worthington Cup on Wednesday with confidence.

Saturday's defeat was Saints' 13th out of the last 14 in league meetings at Old Trafford, but was a huge improvement on 6-1 and 5-0 losses at The Theatre of Dreams in the past two seasons.