Louis van Gaal arrives at Manchester United training ground as glum-faced boss bids to bounce back from horror show at Liverpool

His side were embarrassed in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash with arch rivals Liverpool on Thursday night ‒ and it seems the defeat has taken its toll on Louis van Gaal.

The under-pressure Manchester United manager arrived at the club's Carrington training ground on Friday and he was certainly in no mood to smile.

The glum-faced Dutchman cut an unhappy figure as he drove his Mercedes car less than 24 hours after his side were humiliated at Anfield.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal cut a glum figure as he arrived at the club's training ground

The Dutchman arrived at United's Carrington base ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham 

The glum-faced Dutchman drove his Mercedes car less than 24 hours after his side were beaten by Liverpool

Goals from Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino ensured Liverpool go in to next Thursday's second leg with a two-goal advantage.

With United on the brink of an exit in the European competition, Van Gaal will turn his attention to the FA Cup as he bids for silverware this season.

And Michael Carrick and Co will be hoping to make amends when they face West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

Van Gaal is yet to win a trophy since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2014 and it has been widely touted that Jose Mourinho will replace the former Barcelona boss in the summer. 

His side have been heavily criticised throughout the season - with United legend Paul Scholes hitting out at Van Gaal on numerous occasions.

Following the Liverpool defeat - the first time the Reds have defeated United with Van Gaal at the helm - they were branded a 'shambles' by the former England midfielder.

Van Gaal's side face an uphill struggle to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League this season

United midfielder Marouane Fellaini looks dejected after his side were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool at Anfield 

Michael Carrick looks on ruefully after the half-time substitute was unable to change the course of the game

Former United star Scholes was damning in his assessment as Van Gaal's team were left with a mountain to climb in next Thursday's second leg at Old Trafford.

'They were a shambles,' said Scholes after the game on BT Sport. 'The lack of quality and fight...when you are United, there are certain standards you have to be at, and they haven't made them. When we were playing we were reaching them. These players are falling well short.

'The worst thing is these players now apologising on Twitter and Facebook. Just get out there and play! These players that have come in for £300million are no better than the players that have been allowed to leave the club.

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge celebrates after netting a first-half penalty against Manchester United

Roberto Firmino celebrates after scoring Liverpool's second goal during their 2-0 win over United

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes was less than pleased with what he saw on Thursday night

'For 20 years Manchester United had an identity. You were going to play fast football, going to pass the ball forward, tackle, run. The last three years they have gone away from something that worked.

'You look at the pitch tonight and what are they trying to do? I have absolutely no idea. The first half was shocking, the second half they go to three at the back, which they tried last season and was a disaster, and tonight again it was a disaster.

'You bring on Michael Carrick to play centre midfield. He (Van Gaal) sticks him in the middle of a back three. Where's this club going at the minute? They are going the wrong way.'

Sir Alex Ferguson (centre) was among the crowd as Manchester United stuttered against Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp punches the air with delight after Firmino's strike doubled their advantage

David de Gea shows his frustration after having being unable to save Sturridge's spot-kick on Thursday night