Manchester United defeat at Derby 'wouldn't be a shock', says Paul Clement

Despite Derby's solitary win in five matches in 2016 coming in a 2-1 victory over Hartlepool in the third round of the knock-out tournament three weeks ago, Clement believes United are ripe for beating having managed only three wins in their past 13 games.

Van Gaal's position is under intense scrutiny with the Dutch coach booed by the club's fans following United's 1-0 loss to Southampton at Old Trafford last weekend.

United are fifth in the Premier League, but occupy 12th place in the form table over the past six outings.

Derby are fifth in the Championship, six points behind Middlesbrough in the automatic promotion spots.

“I am not sure it will quite be a giant-killing if we get a good result on Friday," said Clement.

“We all know these are the kind of tests we would have week-in, week-out if we won promotion.

“It is a challenge we are really looking forward to against a team that is not in great form.”

Clement - a former assistant coach at Chelsea, Blackburn, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid - believes Van Gaal must adhere to his principles after spending £250m to reshape the United squad to his own liking.

"They chose him and he’s got the right to play in a way he feels is best,” said Clement.

“That’s part of the selection process.

“Coaches need time to develop what they want to do. But they have invested in some very good players, the same as I’ve done here.

“You still have to get results — although the perfect performances we are all searching for do take longer to produce.”