Louis van Gaal: Under-pressure Manchester United manager pictured at Manchester airport

But the manager is only travelling back to Holland for his daughter's birthday

Louis van Gaal was loudly booed by Manchester United fans after Southampton defeat (Getty)

Picures on social media have emerged today showing the beleagured Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal leaving Manchester airport.

But, much to the ire of most United fans, Van Gaal is only travelling back to Holland to celebrate his daughter's birthday, as reported this weekend after United's woeful 1-0 defeat by Southampton at Old Trafford.

Only yesterday, United fans vented their anger towards Louis van Gaal after watching their team slump to a hugely disappointing 1-0 defeat to Southampton.

Van Gaal's claim last week that United were still in the hunt for the title now seems pure fantasy.

The 64-year-old observed his team slip five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham and 10 points adrift of leaders Leicester thanks to Charlie Austin's 87th-minute winner on his Saints debut.

United supporters booed their team off at half-time and following the conclusion of the game. The United fans have largely backed Van Gaal during matches, but the Dutchman was heckled like never before as he walked down the tunnel following Saturday's damaging defeat.

Van Gaal admitted after the final whistle that fans' support for him had sunk to an all-time low.

"Yes, because it was very clear," the United manager said when asked if it was the worst reaction he had heard to a result during his time in charge at Old Trafford.

"I can understand also because I have seen also a poor match.

"I cannot change that feeling. I can only work hard with my players to improve our game.

"I am disappointed. We have to change this. That is my job and not an easy job at the moment."