Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said that his side conceded two "cheap" goals in their Europa League defeat at the hands of Liverpool this evening.

The Reds took the lead in the 20th minute when Daniel Sturridge scored from the penalty spot after Memphis Depay was adjudged to have hauled down Nathaniel Clyne, while Roberto Firmino doubled the advantage with less than 20 minutes to go, despite a hint of an offside in the build-up.

Van Gaal admitted that Liverpool deserved their victory, and also reserved special praise for the atmosphere created by the home fans at Anfield, but suggested that both of the hosts' goals came from incorrect decisions.

"I have to say that Liverpool created an atmosphere that was fantastic. They played very good in the first half and we could not cope with their pressure," Van Gaal told BT Sport.

"David de Gea was fantastic. But we had a cheap penalty and in the second half we changed the shape. We had much more contribution to the game but we didn't create enough.

"They scored another cheap goal, he was offside, and that is difficult. Losing 2-0 is a difficult result for us but we have to create an atmosphere like that next week. Liverpool deserved it, but how they managed to score their goals is cheap."

United midfielder Marouane Fellaini could face disciplinary action after an off-the-ball incident involving Emre Can towards the end of the match which was missed by the referee, but Van Gaal only had praise for the Belgian.

"I haven't seen it but I have to say that Fellaini was one of the best players on the pitch," he added.

United will now look to overturn the two-goal deficit in the second leg at Old Trafford next week.