Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson was in contact after their 9-0 home defeat to Leicester City last season.

Hassenhuttl, who was talking on Sky Sports' The Football Show, was asked what impact the demoralising defeat can have on a person mentally – which left the Austrian fearing for his job.

However, it was a pep talk from Manchester United's legendary former boss that gave him the boost in very much needed in that moment.

"We have important moments in front of the camera because the message we bring is impactful for many people," he said, speaking via a videolink from his home.

"I always remember I received an SMS from Alex Ferguson, I never knew him before, and if we had not lost 9-0 I would not have had contact from him.

"So this is a positive. It lifted me in this moment. You are down and you find something to hold onto. I will have to live with this moment forever. It can help you to become a more experienced manager anyway."