There aren’t too many more unpopular figures at United than van Gaal, and he knows that saying “when I’m not so unpopular, then okay”.
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Friday’s victory over Derby County at the iPro Stadium provided the flawless precursor to what the boss expects to be a tough Tuesday test at Old Trafford against Mark Hughes’ Stoke City side.
Uruguayan right-back Guillermo Varela looks set to make just his second Premier League start for Manchester United in their game against Stoke at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
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. With only a few months left in the season, van Gaal must take his foot off the break and let his side play attacking football in order for them to have an opportunity to play in the Champions League next season. Another result like that will surely raise more questions over Van Gaal’s future, as fans’ frustrations will inevitably be forced the manager’s way.
“Of course, I’m well aware of it” he said. The team has a lot of structure and going forward they have talent and finishing I think that this will be a threat for Manchester United.
In the 15 Premier League meetings between the two sides, United have won 11 with Stoke winning twice, leaving two draws. With Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo also out with long-term injuries, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson is expected to keep his place in the team. It is also thought that midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will be out for longer than first thought with a knee injury, however Michael Carrick could return to the starting line-up after he returned to action as a substitute against Derby.
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Defender Marc Wilson has been ruled out for 10-12 weeks after injuring a medial knee ligament at Selhurst Park.
