Football news - Mark Hughes sacked as Southampton manager

Assistant first team manager Mark Bowen and assistant first team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki have also left the club.

Hughes had only been manager at the club for eight months and the decision comes after the 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

The 55-year-old was rewarded with a three-year contract in May after he helped the club narrowly avoid relegation last season.

The Saints only managed five victories in 27 games in all competitions under Hughes with their only league win coming against Crystal Palace in September.

"We would like to express our thanks to Mark and his staff for all of their efforts during their time at St Mary’s," Southampton said in a statement.

"The search for a new manager to take the club forward is already under way."

First team assistant coach Kelvin Davis will lead the team for Wednesday’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.

Hughes's successor will be the fourth boss in two years at the club with Claude Puel and Mauricio Pellegrino having been sacked since Ronald Koeman left to join Everton in 2016.