Manchester United stars Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Michael Carrick arrive for training as heat grows on Louis van Gaal

Manchester United stars Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Chris Smalling were among the players to arrive for training on Wednesday as they look to take some of the pressure off of Louis van Gaal. 

United boss Van Gaal has come under scrutiny from both fans and former players during the last few weeks, with Paul Parker becoming the latest person to state his grievances with the Dutchman.

Parker believes United's first team stars are struggling to express themselves under Van Gaal due to his strict training regime. 

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney waves as he enters the club's training complex on Wednesday 

Vice-captain Michael Carrick will be hoping United can get back to winning ways when they face West Ham

United's in-form centre back Chris Smalling puts his thumb up as he arrives for training at Carrington 

The 51-year-old, speaking to The Sun, said of the United boss: 'Van Gaal puts the fear of God into players. It has to be his way. He selfishly manages the team — and no one enjoys it. 

'He may be a successful manager, but he must learn — even at his age — to become a good man manager.

'All those players he’s got are not bad players and they’ve not played negative football all their lives. He’s being incredibly stubborn.'

Morgan Schneiderlin, Daley Blind and Andreas Pereira looked particularly glum-faced as they made their way into United's Aon Training Complex in their flashy cars.

Marouane Fellaini, who starred for United's Under 21 side against Liverpool on Monday, had to be chauffeured into training after being banned from driving for being caught speeding twice in the space of six minutes. 

United's players face a crucial week as they look to be at the top of the Premier League tree by Christmas and progress to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Marouane Fellaini had to be chauffeured into United training after recently being hit with a driving ban

David de Gea's understudy – Sergio Romero – drove into training as he prepared for the visit of West Ham

Morgan Schneiderlin appeared to be in a serious mood as he entered United's training ground on Wednesday

Daley Blind is expected to again line up alongside Smalling in the heart of Manchester United's defence

Van Gaal's side could climb to the top of the table if they beat West Ham at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

They then face Wolfsburg in a make-or-break Champions League Group B clash in Germany on Tuesday.

United claimed a point against second-placed Leicester City last weekend after Bastian Schweinsteiger cancelled out Jamie Vardy's record-breaking goal. 

Manchester United starlet Andreas Pereira donned a woolly hat as he made his way into training 

Louis van Gaal's side are third in the league and can still qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League

Paul Parker (pictured during the 1994 FA Cup final) has become the latest ex-United star to hit out at Van Gaal