Southampton defender Matt Targett has warned his side that they cannot afford to start Friday's match against Manchester United as slowly as they did their opener against Watford.

The Saints fell behind after just nine minutes against the Hornets before Nathan Redmond rescued a point shortly before the hour mark in Claude Puel's first match at the helm.

However, Targett does not believe that United will allow Southampton back into the game if they start slowly again, particularly as it is Jose Mourinho's first competitive home match in charge.

"The first half [against Watford] wasn't good enough, and the manager said that at half time. We know we can't start the game like that against Manchester United, because it will be game over in 20 minutes," he told the club's official website.

"So hopefully we get off to a good start and we just have to frustrate them. It would be massive if we get something there. It will give us confidence going into the next game and hopefully we can get a good result.

"It will be a very difficult game. It's their first game at home and they're going to be well up for it, so we'll have to match it. I think they're going to be more attacking, I think the signings they have made will make a big difference."

Southampton are unbeaten in their last three visits to Old Trafford, winning the last two.