Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has warned his players not to underestimate Stoke City when the sides meet at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

United are currently in fourth place in the Premier League table thanks to a run of three consecutive wins.

Stoke are just four points above the relegation zone after losing their last two games, but Van Gaal believes that the Potters have what it takes to cause his team problems.

"Of course I had hoped that we would win on Saturday (against Hull City), but we have to win also against Stoke City," the Dutchman is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"But in the Premier League nothing is easy. When you see Liverpool struggling against Stoke City, scoring in the 85th minute, that shows. Every game is difficult. That is why the Premier League is exciting, because you never know."

Angel di Maria has been ruled out of tomorrow's match against Stoke after suffering a hamstring injury during United's recent win over Hull.