Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says they go into their clash with Stoke City in good form.

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.

"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."