Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has been warned by Ryan Giggs that a trip to Stoke City is among the toughest in the Premier League.

They have only won two league away matches so far this season and assistant manager Giggs has told him it will not be easy to get three points to start the new year.

"I remember that match when we played Stoke at home (on December 2) and we were very weak at the end," said Van Gaal.

"Maybe you remember what I said at the time that I have to look in the balance of my team and the balance of my team was not as good as it is now.

"When I say every week we are improving, then we have to show that against Stoke City, but also in an away match because we have won all at home except Swansea.

"We have to dominate in away matches. I hear from Ryan that Stoke is a very difficult pitch, but we have to show that despite it being very difficult."