Southampton manager Claude Puel says he 'cannot understand' reports that his job is under threat

• e-mail

Claude Puel admits he finds speculation over his job as Southampton manager 'strange' ahead of their Premier League clash against Manchester United on Wednesday.

Puel's future at St Mary's is uncertain despite reaching the EFL Cup final in February and leading one of the league's youngest sides to a potential top-eight finish.

Jose Mourinho's side came out victorious at Wembley as Saints came agonisingly close to their first trophy since 1976 in a thrilling 3-2 defeat.

Southampton manager Claude Puel has faced speculation about his future at St Mary's

At times this season, fans have not enjoyed Southampton's style of play and squad rotation under Puel but the Frenchman pointed to his relationship with the supporters as evidence that the club are behind him.

'I think it's strange because someone asked me about speculation and all of the questions about how I will improve the club,' Puel said.

'It's strange, it's not a question of being proud of my work, with my staff it's good to develop young players for the future.

'I hope for Southampton that we will see this for next season but of course it will be interesting to continue this work because I think it's important to improve.

'For me, it's important that every time we have honesty with the club and the fans.

'I work to give the best for the team, for the staff and the fans, it's normal.

'I cannot understand the speculation because when I see all of the fans on the street they are happy to see me, and tell me congratulations.

Jay Rodriguez celebrates with Ryan Bertrand away at Middlesbrough last week

'When I spoke with our opponents' players and staff, they give congratulations about our players and our quality and all of this is a good response to the speculation.'

With two games remaining in the Premier League, Southampton are aiming to finish eighth and Puel hopes to build for next season by taking six points against United and Stoke.

Puel said: 'The last result away against Middlesbrough allowed us the possibility to finish strong in the Premier League.

'We made seven changes and with a good result and good play and we saw all the squad play with good concentration and focus and this is the most important thing.

'A lot of people ask me what the possibilities are for this team, and it's about having a good focus about the game (on Wednesday), not having to focus on relegation, Europa League games or different things, and I'm happy with all the work we can do on the pitch and in the training sessions.

'When we can make seven changes with the team, this has allowed different players to recover, and this will allow us to finish strong this week.'