Clyne - Why I rejected United

Nathaniel Clyne: Knew he would play first-team football at Southampton

Nathaniel Clyne has revealed he turned down Manchester United to sign for Southampton.

Saints play host to United live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Sunday and Clyne could well have been lining up for the Red Devils.

But the 21-year-old full-back instead opted for Nigel Adkins' newly-promoted side when he walked away from Crystal Palace in the summer.

And on the eve of the clash, the England Under 21 international has explained the reasons for his decision.

Talks

"I had run out of contract at Palace and there were talks with a few clubs who were looking at me like United," said Clyne, quoted in The Sun.

"I knew if I came to Southampton I would get a lot of game time.

"It is an up-and-coming club and they have a project here. They do not just want to sit with what they have, they want to push forward for European football.

"Our aim is to stay in the league this year but go on after that.

"Southampton is a very professional club and they work hard on every aspect of the game. I am already enjoying my time here."