Wenger admits he was ‘surprised’ by Arsenal and Man United players hugging each other

Arsene Wenger has admitted to being 'surprised' by his Arsenal players embracing their Manchester United contemporaries before kick-off.

Former United defender Phil Neville criticised the cordial way players from both sides were seen joking and hugging each other before kick-off, a far cry from the frosty atmosphere that pervaded his own encounters with the Gunners.

"I think I understand that the pundits are a bit surprised by that because 10 or 15 years ago that did not exist," Wenger said. "But it is an overall, international thing now.

"You can watch Real Madrid against Barcelona -- it's the same because people play together, come from the same country.

"I was surprised as well I must say, but I must confess as well that it doesn't stop the players to focus and concentrate after on the game."

Arsenal, beaten 4-0 by Southampton in last season's corresponding fixture at St Mary's, travel to the south coast with a fitness doubt over Laurent Koscielny after the defender suffered a calf injury against United.