Spurs went to Old Trafford on a high last March after two wins in a week, but found themselves 3-0 down inside 35 minutes and were grateful the damage did not become even worse.
That loss left them six points behind fourth-placed United, a gap they could not bridge to earn a Champions League place.
"My feeling was real disappointment," Pochettino told Tottenham's in-house television station.
"We went in with real confidence but in the first 20 minutes we killed the game. Our performance wasn't good enough but this is a good opportunity to change that.
"We are feeling good after victory against AC Milan in the Audi Cup and I'm very excited.
"But Manchester United have improved a lot, signed a lot of good players, and it is a tough game for us."
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who returned as a substitute against Milan after his wrist injury, is in contention for Saturday's game, the Argentine added.
Defender Grant Hall, who has yet to make a first-team appearance, has joined Queens Park Rangers, Spurs announced on Friday.
(Reporting by Steve Tongue)
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