Van Gaal Seeks A Repeat Of Derby Display

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes a similar display may be required as his men move on from securing safe passage in the Emirates FA Cup to seeking three important points in the Barclays Premier League.

Friday's victory over Derby County at the iPro Stadium provided the perfect precursor to what the boss expects to be a tough Tuesday test at Old Trafford against Mark Hughes' Stoke City side.

"I hope that we can give the same level of performance as against Derby," said van Gaal, when speaking to reporters at his post-match press conference.

"Stoke City are a team that every club has a lot of difficulties with. I saw them play against Liverpool and thought they were very good - they deserved to go through. I have to say that I like how Stoke play, very much."

The Potters' penalty shoot-out defeat to Liverpool in the Capital One Cup semi-final was followed by their FA Cup exit at Crystal Palace, the day after United beat Derby with the backing of the Reds' ever-vocal away support.

“Our fans supported us fantastically [on Friday night]," said the manager. "I heard the fans of Manchester United more than the fans of Derby County.

"It is important that the fans continue to support the players against Stoke as the players have the most difficult task - they have to get a result at that hour, against Stoke's resistance and there are no excuses. The fans have to support again."

Another positive from Friday's fine win at Derby was Michael Carrick’s return to first-team action. The midfielder had been sidelined for nearly a month through injury but is now closer to being recalled to the starting XI.

“He could only play 20 minutes against Derby and I wanted to give him that 20 minutes because we need him playing regularly again," said van Gaal. "He did very well and I have no complaints.”