Ward-Prowse: Saints focused solely on themselves at Wembley

James Ward-Prowse insists his Southampton side are focused solely on themselves heading into Saturday’s EFL Cup final against Manchester United.

The Saints last tasted cup success at Wembley in the Football League Trophy back in 2010 and won the Football League Trophy back in 1979.

United meanwhile are near perennial Wembley finalists and the defending FA Cup champions are looking for their first title under Jose Mourinho.

With the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba at their disposal, they will take some stopping.

But Ward-Prowse – who was part of the side that won 1-0 at Old Trafford last season – insists they will not be thinking too much about their opponents.

“I think we have to be solely focused on ourselves,” he said.

“I think there’s got to be an element of what the opposition does and how we can counteract that, but we have to be focused on ourselves and make sure we assert ourselves, especially early in the game, to be on the front foot and let them know they’re in for a game.

“Obviously, we have to show them respect, but we ultimately want to win the match and we’ll do everything to make sure we can do that.”