James Ward-Prowse has admitted that he is keen to face former teammate Luke Shaw when Southampton travel to Old Trafford this weekend.
The defender, who joined the Saints' youth system in 2003, completed the switch to Manchester United during the summer.
His former teammate told the Daily Star: "Luke is a good mate of mine. I am still in touch with him, seeing how he is and how he is progressing. Hopefully I will be up against him and it will be a good battle between us.
"There is always banter flying about and we will exchange a few texts before the match. I have known Luke since I was eight or nine so it will be good to see him again.
"I am sure he will become a great player for United. Luke is a fantastic player and he has got all the attributes to play at the top level. He is showing that now he is back from injury."
Shaw's £30m move made him the most expensive teenage defender in the world.
