Van Gaal wants happier away - days in new year

United manager urges players to take strong home form on the road

Louis van Gaal has challenged his Manchester United players to replicate their impressive home form on the road ahead of a testing New Year's Day visit to Stoke City.

Since losing at home to Swansea City on the opening day of the season, United has turned Old Trafford into a fortress, winning seven and drawing one of the subsequent eight games on its home turf.