Under pressure Louis van Gaal and his Manchester United team go to play Stoke City in a daunting away game at the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day and apparently to various outlets, a win is a must for the Dutchman to continue the job. Here are 3 key battles that could decide the outcome of the game:

1. Xherdan Shaqiri v Morgan Schneiderlin

The Potter’s marquee summer signing, Xherdan Shaqiri, has quickly become his side’s chief creator, and it will be his responsibility to carve a way through the visitors’ defence. Shaqiri has not only created more chances than any Stoke player this season but has done so at a much faster rate, with his total of 28 coming at an average of one every 36 minutes. To nullify the Swiss’s threat who also has a habit of cutting in and threading through balls to his forwards, van Gaal could use Morgan Schneiderlin.

The Frenchman doesnt feature much these days, but the energy he offers to the midfield and his exquisite positioning sense makes him a unique player. It’s worth noting, keeping clean sheets have won Premier League sides an average of 2.33 points per game this season, and no Schneiderlin seems to reduce United’s chances of recording one. Shaqiri is Stoke’s leading attacking threat and Manchester United need a midfield presence to protect their back four, as Schneiderlin did so well at the start of the season. If the Frenchman is given that task again, Stoke will find it far harder to break down their Boxing Day guests.