LONDON: Mark Hughes has been sacked as manager of struggling Southampton after only one Premier League win this season.

Even a 2-2 weekend draw with Manchester United could not save the 55-year-old Welshman.

Saints had led 2-0 but they were unable to hang on for what could have been a vital three points in not only their relegation battle but Hughes’s bid to save his job.

Southampton acted now to set a new manager in place ahead of the January transfer window.

A club statement said: “We would like to express our thanks to Mark and his staff for all of their efforts during their time at St Mary’s,” a statement read.  “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 took over at St Mary’s last March and guided them to Premier League survival and an FA Cup semi-final but was unable to inspire a better campaign this time around.

Saints are in the bottom three after 14 games, of which they have won only one and lost seven.

Klopp charged

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been charged with misconduct by the FA for running onto the pitch as part of his celebrations in  Liverpool’s late Merseyside derby winner against Everton on Sunday.

The German was overjoyed by Divock Origi’s 96th-minute goal and ran over to Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker. He apologised for his actions and has until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the charge.

Klopp said after the match: “I didn’t want to run. It was not in my plan. I didn’t want to run to Ali, I couldn’t stop obviously. Not cool, but it happened. The more important things happened during the 95 minutes.

“Immediately after the game I apologised to (Everton boss) Marco Silva when we spoke to each other.”

Silva said he did not hear an apology from Klopp, and added: “To be honest I didn’t see (Klopp’s run). I don’t know what he did and the way he did it.

“It was a lucky day for him this afternoon, but that is football. I don’t think he expected anything like that either. I cannot say it was disrespectful because I didn’t see, when I see that moment maybe I can speak more about that situation.”

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