Ballymena's Steven Davis takes no comfort from Southampton's brilliant display against United

Southampton's brilliant display in the League Cup final is no consolation for not winning the trophy, says Ballymena's Steven Davis.
Southampton skipper Steven DavisSouthampton skipper Steven Davis
Southampton skipper Steven Davis

The Saints may have been the better side in Sunday's EFL League Cup final but they were edged out 3-2 by Manchester United, powered by the brilliance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Claude Puel's men had battled back from two goals down to level at 2-2, only for Ibrahimovic to land the killer blow with a free header three minutes from time.

Manolo Gabbiadini, who netted both Southampton goals, had an early strike ruled out for offside.

The St Mary's outfit won many plaudits for their performance but that's of little comfort to the club' skipper Davis.

The Northern Ireland skipper said: "Even when we went behind we thought we were relatively comfortable."

"They took the two chances they got and that's the quality they have in their side. When you get it 2-2 you really start to believe you can win this.

"United were clinical and that's hard. It will take a couple of days to mull it over. It was obviously a quiet dressing room as you'd expect - it's a difficult one to take because we deserved a lot more. You can't really enjoy a final unless you win it."

He added: "We showed great character to get back in the game, but luck wasn't on our side today - the disallowed goal that would have put us in front and then the second half we hit the post and David De Gea had a couple of good saves.

"Some decisions you get and some you don't, but in a major final you want those decisions to go for you, especially when you're playing against a team like Manchester United."

Davis, who captained Saints in their attempt to win a first major honour since 1976 - when they beat United in the FA Cup final - said it was United's clinical edge in front of goal that ultimately proved the difference on the day.