FORMER Saints striker Alan Shearer insists his old team must "improve massively" but backed them to get a draw against Manchester United.

The St Mary's side hosts under-pressure United looking for their first points of the season, while the Red Devils have picked up just three.

Saints, managed by Russell Martin, have been beaten by Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford in their first three Premier League outings.

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag's United are looking to improve on an eighth-place finish but have lost to Brighton and Liverpool in the last two.

Shearer, who made 131 appearances for Saints after beginning his career at the Dell, told Betfair: "This is a huge game for both sides.

Alan Shearer says Saints must improve their finishingAlan Shearer says Saints must improve their finishing

"Southampton have to start picking up points, especially now Leicester don’t look to be getting deducted any points.

"Southampton have been struggling to put the ball in the back of the net and finishing the chances they’ve created.

"When they do get them, they have to start taking them. That's where they have to improve massively."

He continued: "I think Man United have been bang average so far this season, which is why there's a lot of talk around ten Hag.

"This is a huge game for both clubs and could have huge ramifications going forward. There'll be so much noise if Man United don't win this game.

"Particularly with the start to the season Southampton have had too. If Man United were to go there and fail to win, or even worse, be beaten...

"The noise around the job and everything else at the club would rank up a notch or three. I'll go for a draw."

Saints take on Man United in Saturday's early 12:30pm kick-off. They have not beaten United since 2016 but have drawn three of the last four meetings.