Ryan Manning happy to play anywhere for Southampton this season

Southampton have signed experienced left-back Charlie Taylor, 30, on a free transfer from Burnley this summer.

Brazilian Wellington, 23, has also penned a pre-contract agreement and will join in January, while Juan Larios is involved in regular training following his long-term injury.

Manning, 28, played 40 games for Southampton last season after joining from Swansea City but could see his minutes reduced due to arrivals.

The Irishman was used as a holding midfielder on Wednesday evening during Southampton's 2-0 pre-season defeat at Oxford United.

Manning described that defeat as a "wake-up call" ahead of the Premier League campaign but insisted mistakes are a part of pre-season.

Charlie Taylor will offer Ryan Manning competition at left-back (Image: Stuart Martin)

Asked about his role following Taylor's arrival this summer, Manning told the Daily Echo: "I haven't spoken to the manager about it directly.

"I just tried to come back in the best condition I could be in. I missed out on having a pre-season last year by joining so late and with the season starting that week earlier.

"It's been about getting back in as fit as I can be to give myself the best chance of playing this season.

"With being in the Premier League, everybody is going to have competition in every position. Last year there was competition for everyone, this year is going to be the same.

"For everyone, not just myself, it's a case of trying to be the best version of yourself to give the manager as much of a headache as you can."

Ryan Manning played in midfield at Oxford United (Image: Southampton FC / Matt Watson)

Martin moved Manning into midfield in order to try the full-back in a new position and see Shea Charles in a more advanced role.

The Galway native enjoyed his opportunity to turn back the clock and insisted he is willing to play anywhere Martin asks him to.

He continued: "I was playing in the six. It was quite nostalgic because I played there a little bit when I was at QPR.

"I used to play as a number 10 and run in behind. I enjoyed it. Playing this style of football under this manager, it's total football.

"I think it kinda shows that we all have to have such a good understanding of each other's positions to play the position that you are in.

"Stepping in there was kind of a case of taking all the things I've picked up from playing with midfielders.

"When they told me yesterday I just embraced it. I really enjoyed getting on the ball. If the manager asks you to play anywhere, you are just happy to be on the pitch."

"I think you saw last season that if you're a left-back, a right-back, centre-back or midfielder, you can pretty much play in any of the other positions.

"Someone said the gaffer would play with 11 midfielders if he could," Manning smiled. "The key is you have to take in what other players are doing in training.

Ryan Manning is into his second season on the south coast (Image: Stuart Martin)

"If he asked me to play in goal, I would give it a go for him. You just have to be ready when you are given an opportunity."

Martin has previously explained that he doesn't "care" about formations so much, applying the principles is more important.

Manning echoed a similar sentiment, pointing out that they are expected to be fluid with their positions in possession.

"If you look at some of the goals we scored last season and froze the picture, nobody is probably playing in their conventional position.

"That's the style that the manager wants and I think that's one of the reasons why we were so dangerous at times last season.

"Everyone can mix in and go into different positions and cause the opposition problems."