Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that it was important for his side to secure the win against Stoke City on Tuesday, as it will lead nicely into the club's Christmas party the following day.

The Red Devils - who won 2-1 - opened the scoring through Marouane Fellaini, but the visitors equalised when Steven N'Zonzi struck towards the end of the first half.

United's winner came on the hour from a Juan Mata free kick, while in injury time, Mame Biram Diouf missed an open goal that would have secured a point for Stoke.

Van Gaal told reporters after the game: "It was not our best performance. We were not aggressive enough in the first half, we didn't keep our position on the pitch. I was not pleased at half time - and I told them.

"The second half was better, we created more chances but we need to score more goals. I'm pleased we held this result. The last few moments were not necessary but it is always like that.

"I'm happy with the result - tomorrow we have a Christmas party and it's important we can enjoy that!"

United climb to fourth in the Premier League following the win, two points behind rivals Manchester City.