After a disappointing start to the season the Red Devils have finally hit the ground running having recorded three consecutive wins in a row, a run which has allowed them to maintain a place in the top four of the Barclays Premier League.
After a resilient display against Arsenal which saw them record a 2-1 win, Van Gaal's men followed it with a dominant 3-0 win over Hull City last time out. Chris Smalling opened up the scoring for the Red Devils with a scrappy goal, Wayne Rooney doubled United's lead just three minutes before half time and Robin Van Persie further extended the lead with a wonder strike in the second half.
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick expressed his delight over the team's recent form and is hoping they can keep it going during a busy December month.
"It was a good performance and a good win," Carrick said. "We controlled the game from the start and played some really good football. Hopefully there will be more of the same on Tuesday."
The 33 year old however lamented over the club's injury crisis, with summer signing Angel Di Maria the latest inductee in United's growing injury list.
"Our downfall this season is that we've had to change the team too much and we haven't had a consistent run with this squad.
"Hopefully that will change now and it's nice to have a game so quick so we can keep that momentum going."
He further offered support to Dutch striker Robin Van Persie who silenced his critics with a wonderful goal in the match against Hull.
"It was some strike! It was only really half a chance, but he's controlled it and smashed it into the top corner.
"It's great when the boys up front are creating chances and scoring goals. If we can do what we did on Saturday on a more regular basis we'll be a real threat."
Stoke on the other hand will be hoping to avoid a third defeat in a row having suffered back to back defeats at the hands of Burnley and Liverpool. The Potters have managed just a single victory in their last five matches and will be hoping to change that on Tuesday.
Phil Bardsley is expected to return to the squad after missing the match against Liverpool, but Stoke are likely to be without midfielders Steve Sidwell (knee) and Glenn Whelan (calf) both of whom were forced off due to injuries during the match against Liverpool.
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