Tadic happy to tee up Gabbiadini

DUSAN TADIC regards scoring the winning goal at Old Trafford in 2015 as the highlight of his Saints career so far, but he’ll be just as happy to set up his new strike partner, Manolo Gabbiadini, to take the glory at Wembley today.

Tadic ended a 27-year wait for a Southampton win at United by scoring the only goal two years ago.

Since Gabbiadini’s arrival, though, he switched from the wing to his favoured No 10 spot and enjoys setting up the £14million Italian as much as scoring himself.

‘I like to score and create goals. If a team-mate is in a better position, you need to search for him,’ Tadic said.

‘I am happy to give assists. It’s my way of thinking and I expect that from my team-mate for me. Scoring at Old Trafford was a very nice feeling. A great memory and something I won’t forget.’

Gabbiadini and Tadic are the twin threats that will most concern Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho today, but Saints manager Claude Puel said there will be no room for sentiment when he names his line-up for today’s final.

That is likely to spell heartache for semi-final hero Shane Long.

Puel said: ‘All the players have participated in this journey but now the most important thing is to use our experience to win.’

The Frenchman says Long will still have a key role to play, using his singing skills in the dressing room. He said: ‘I know Shane Long is a very good singer and he can do this before the game.’