'A chance to show what we can do'

Saints have won their last three Barclays Premier League games and head to Old Trafford five places and four points better off than their opponents.

The team were narrowly beaten at United back in January in what was only Pochettino's second game in charge.

And the manager says he is taking a much-improved side with him for Saturday's game, and that there is no reason why they cannot pick up points this time out.

"I think all games in the Premier League are exciting, and this is a very good chance for us to show what we can do as a team," Pochettino told Saints Player this afternoon. 

"It's going to be very difficult but we are going there with a positive mentality.

"I think both teams have changed since we last played them and I am very happy with how the squad is performing these days.

"They have a new manager who is trying to establish his ideas after many, many years of Sir Alex Ferguson leading the team. 

"Change is never easy but it's clear that they have very good players and we will be facing a very tough team.

"It's good that we've been picking up victories and the compliments that come with them because they boost your morale and confidence," continued the gaffer. 

"I'm very happy with the performance of the team over the last eight months, so we just need to focus on growing as a team.

"We're reaping the benefits of the work we put in, and so we just want to continue this good run and believing that we can continue getting results."

Of the 11 players away on international duty over the past week-and-a-half, only Gastón Ramírez had not returned in time to train this morning.

The Uruguayan is due to arrive back in Southampton this evening, meaning the squad will be at full strength for Friday's training session.

Pochettino reported that all players have arrived back in good form and spirits, adding that Luke Shaw has recovered from his recent illness and confirming that Artur Boruc is fully-fit.

"Today is the first day that we've all been together, and the mood in the squad is spectacular after the wins that we've been getting," the manager asserted.

"Luke has been training with us for a couple of days after his illness, so he's basically recovered. We'll see over the next couple of days whether he's available for the match.

"And Artur is fine. He is fit, so I'm a little surprised that it's been reported that he had an injury."