Man Utd V Stoke at Old Trafford

Only Tottenham Hotspur have a better defensive record than Manchester United in the top flight, but a lack of goals has hampered progress under Van Gaal’s stewardship, with the men from Manchester having managed just 28 Premier League goals thus far this term.

However, the Dutchman was keen to stress that; “It’s not so important that they (the fans) yell at me, it’s more that they are supporting the players“.

Despite the 3-1 win in over Derby County in the FA Cup on Friday, Van Gaal knows the pressure is still on to win again on Tuesday.

Hughes, a United legend as a player and a one-time victor as a manager at Old Trafford with Blackburn, continued: “They are very loyal fans, as I well know, and don’t need too much encouragement to get behind their team”.

Louis van Gaal has admitted he has no idea what reception awaits him at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, reports Sky Sports.

With Manchester United’s options at full back well and truly exhausted, it now appears a surprise move for Arsenal’s Mathieu Debuchy is definitely off.

Stoke have already witnessed United’s defensive errors first hand as they won the festive tie against United all thanks to a misjudged header by Memphis Depay within his own penalty area.

“Stoke City are a team that every club has a lot of difficulties with”.

With Matteo Darmian (chest), Ashley Young (groin), Marcos Rojo (shoulder), Antonio Valencia (foot) and Luke Shaw (leg) injured, United are short in numbers at the back so 22-year-old Varela looks set to keep his place in the team following his impressive performance at Derby.

The Manchester United boss is so concerned that he and his wife Truus may be targeted by angry fans that he has ramped up security around them.

“I hope they put in a poor performance and get booed off again because that means we’ll have done well!”

“Of course, I’m aware of it”, said the striker, who broke Charlton’s England goal-scoring record last September.