Wednesday 17 August 2016 22:35, UK
Claude Puel insists Jose Fonte remains focused on playing for Southampton and rued the timing of speculation linking the defender with a move to Friday night’s opponents Manchester United.
The Portuguese international has been linked with a move to Old Trafford with Jose Mourinho thought to be keen to bolster his options in central defence before the transfer window closes on August 31.
The 32-year-old defender impressed during Portugal's run to the Euro 2016 title as he formed a formidable partnership with Real Madrid's Pepe and he is represented by the same agent as Mourinho, Jorge Mendes.
But Southampton have dismissed the rumours linking Fonte to United and insist their captain will not be leaving the club.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Puel said: "There is no problem with Jose but it is strange that this rumour comes up just before the game that he might go to United.
"But there is no problem with Jose. He is a very good professional and he has trained well this week.
"It is important to have Jose with us and I hope to have him against United."
When asked if he has any concerns about playing Fonte at Old Trafford, Puel said: "No. Jose has good experience and he is a good professional.
"He cannot be disturbed by this story because for me it is just a rumour. I am surprised to see this two days before we play United but it is not a problem."
Southampton face a United side likely to be bolstered by Paul Pogba, with the world's most expensive player set for his second debut with the club after being suspended for Sunday's 3-1 win against Bournemouth.
"I think he is the price of my team or my squad," Puel said. "But I don't give an opinion on their squad. I don't prepare my team to play against one player."
Friday's game will be Jose Mourinho's first competitive match at Old Trafford and Puel knows the pressure will be on his opposite number to win.
Puel said: "I think it is important for [United], for its manager. The same, it was important in our first game against Watford in front of our fans.
"This is their problem. Our problem, for us, is to have good opportunities against this team and to have a good feeling about this game and to take any opportunity for us.
"Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a fantastic player, of course. He can score without opportunities and it is difficult to take him. Against Ibra and all the other players, the answer is our collective. That is most important.
"Pogba is another very good player who can play with this team but all the great players cannot play, [there are] just 11 positions possible.
"It's important to stay just on our game and not on our opponents' players."
England defender Ryan Bertrand remains out with a knee injury for Southampton so Matt Targett will continue at left back against United on Friday.
You can watch Manchester United take on Southampton live on the first Friday Night Football of the season on Sky Sports 1HD, with coverage from 6:30pm.
