Mark Hughes knew he was being sacked by Southampton going into their clash against Manchester United.

The Mirror says Hughes knew he was going to be sacked BEFORE Southampton's draw with Manchester United.

Hughes was a dead man walking as he was aware the club were fully intending to replace him no matter what the result on Saturday evening after his disappointing start to the season.

The Saints boss was officially axed after a meeting on Sunday night, when the Welshman and his coaching staff became aware that the club had agreed terms with his successor.

Hughes will walk away with a seven-figure pay off as he was just months into a three-year deal he was handed after keeping the club up last season following his arrival in mid-March to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino.

A source close to Hughes said: “Sparky was aware whatever happened on Saturday it was likely to be his last game. He was disappointed by that after doing such a good job last season."