Manager Claude Puel felt his Southampton side did not deserve to lose the EFL Cup final, following a "fantastic performance".
The Saints manager was pleased with the efforts of his players, as they battled back from two-nil down against Manchester United, before Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s 87th-minute winner won it for José Mourinho’s side.
His side were dominant throughout, playing with real spirit and determination, despite seeing Manolo Gabbiadini have a goal wrongly ruled out before United took the lead.
And Puel was proud of his players when speaking to southamptonfc.com after the game: “First of all, congratulations to Manchester United. It was a clinical result,” he said.
“It’s a big disappointment for all of the team, for all of the fans, because I think we played a fantastic game, with quality and with many chances.
“The scenario was cruel in the end. We started the game very well and we scored, but the decision of the referee was very hard to accept.
“The first two shots of Manchester United gave them two goals and that made it difficult.
“But my players kept a good attitude and spirit to come back just before half time and we continued this good work to equalise in the second half.
“Before their third goal, we had lots of chances and situations to win the game. It’s hard to lose this game, but it’s football.”
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