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Southampton 0-0 Man Utd: Claude Puel will discuss future at the end of the season

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Claude Puel gives his reaction to Southampton's 0-0 draw with Manchester Utd's 0-0 at St Mary's

Claude Puel insists he will only discuss his Southampton future at the end of the season after his side drew 0-0 with Manchester United.

Although the stalemate against United left Saints on course for a top-eight finish, in a season that also saw Puel steer his side to the EFL Cup final, the 55-year-old's position remains subject to speculation.

However, Puel is adamant nothing will be discussed with the club's hierarchy until after the final-day clash with Stoke on Sunday.

"It is important to stay focused on our last game, now," Puel said. "We can win to take us higher up the table, which is important.

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Southampton 0-0 Man Utd highlights

"After that, we can discuss and speak about this [his future]. That is when we can talk about this. For now, we keep our focus for the last match."

Saints were chasing the victory that would have put them in an even stronger position to secure that eighth-placed finish, but Manolo Gabbiadini passed up a golden opportunity to put Saints in the driving seat on Wednesday night, missing from the penalty spot.

That was Saints' third miss of the season from 12 yards, and Puel insists they cannot continue to be so wasteful from the spot.

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Image: Sergio Romero denies Manolo Gabbiadini from 12 yards

"It is the third penalty we have missed recently," Puel added. "We have to work on this in training. It is very difficult. The penalty is very important, at this time in the game. It would have given confidence to the team, and we need confidence at the beginning of the game.

"We did not do enough in the first half. There was not enough intensity enough quality, but the second half was much better.

"We had some opportunities. We had 17 shots at goal, we should have been able to score. Perhaps another time we will be more clinical. I am happy for the second half. We played good football."

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