Southampton manager Ronald Koeman believes that rivals are "afraid" of his team due to their surprising challenge for a Champions League spot.

The Saints are currently fourth in the Premier League table, just one point below 20-time English champions Manchester United.

"Maybe they thought it would be very difficult for Southampton to keep that spirit, but we are fourth in February," Koeman told BBC Radio Solent. "They now take us seriously. They are a little bit afraid now, I think."

Southampton were strongly tipped to be in a relegation battle this season following an exodus of first-team players last summer.