Manchester United vs. Stoke City: Preview and TV schedule

Suffice to say, David Moyes' start to life as Manchester United boss hasn't gone quite as smoothly as he'd hoped. United are down in eighth place in the Premier League heading into round nine, and are already eight points adrift of league leaders Arsenal. They may have squeaked past Real Sociedad in midweek, but it was hardly hugely convincing.

However, United have no excuse for failing to pick up three points at home to Stoke City this weekend. Mark Hughes' side have dramatically dipped over the last few matches, and are now sitting just a point above the relegation zone. If they can take anything from Old Trafford, it'd be a huge success -- and crank up the pressure on Moyes yet further.

Despite reportedly nearing a return to action, Darren Fletcher is still unavailable for United. They have a string of first team regulars in doubt, with Robin van Persie, Nemanja Vidić, Rio Ferdinand, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley all facing late fitness tests to determine whether they're available. For Stoke, Geoff Cameron is the only early doubt.

Manchester United: David De Gea; Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić, Chris Smalling; Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick; Adnan Januzaj, Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia; Robin van Persie.

Stoke City: Asmir Begović; Erik Pieters, Robert Huth, Ryan Shawcross, Geoff Cameron; Steven N'Zonzi, Charlie Adam; Matthew Etherington, Stephen Ireland, Jonathan Walters; Peter Crouch.

Follow @SBNationSoccer on Twitter | Like SB Nation Soccer on Facebook