Valdes signed for United on an 18-month contract earlier this month and was brought in primarily as cover for David De Gea.
The Spaniard, who has only recently recovered from a serious knee injury, could be thrown into the fold for Friday night's clash against the League Two outfit.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Van Gaal is considering starting Valdes, so as to give him a flavour of the physical demands of English football.
They also claim that while Robin van Persie could be in contention to start, Van Gaal might persist with Radamel Falcao.
Meanwhile, Chris Smalling has lavished praise on team-mate Valdes, claiming the former Barcelona shot stopper 'belongs' at Old Trafford.
GETTY
Victor Valdes could make his Manchester United debut in the FA Cup
He’s such a great addition and is a name that really belongs here at Manchester United
Chris Smalling
"He (Valdes) is someone that we all look up to through what he’s achieved already in his career but you can see that he’s nowhere near done yet," Smalling told MUTV.
"On the training field he’s so sharp and you can see that he’s very agile.
"He’s such a great addition and is a name that really belongs here at Manchester United.
“We’ve heard a few stories from him and quite a few people here have asked him questions. Barcelona is another great club and you want to get some insight of what happens abroad as well.”
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