Southampton FC handed fitness boost ahead of trip to Man United

Downes returned to training this week having missed the last three games while suffering from a dead leg.

The 25 year old initially sustained an injury against Liverpool after taking a "big whack" but played on against Fulham and West Ham, aggravating the issue.

Injury forced him to miss Southampton's 3-0 win over former club Swansea City on Sunday and Juric is unsure whether Downes will be fit to start at Old Trafford.

Asked for an update, he said: "Flynn Downes did his first training yesterday (Tuesday) and he's okay.

Flynn Downes took a whack in Southampton's Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool. (Image: Stuart Martin) "We will see if he can play from the beginning or later. I think everybody is fit. Everybody is okay."

Juric is confident that his squad are reaching the fitness levels required for the physical output his high-pressing style demands.

"With playing games and training, I think the players are starting to do the things I want them to do. It's normal," he continued.

"It's just an attitude to do things. If you are training with intensity, with pressing, with aggressiveness, then you will play like this."

Captain Jan Bednarek was forced off early against Swansea on Sunday but his knock is not expected to rule him out at United.

New signing Welington remains short of fitness, having played for the under-21s on Friday evening, while Jack Stephens and Ross Stewart are ruled out longer term.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Will Smallbone returned from injury on Sunday and could make his first Premier League appearance since October.