Manchester United news: Louis van Gaal insists his side are close to Tottenham despite 12-point gap

The Dutchman believes his side need a 'senior creative player' in order to bridge the gap

Van Gaal has made another call for 'creative' additions to his squad (Getty)

Louis van Gaal does not believe there is much difference between his Manchester United side and title contenders Tottenham Hotspur.

Mauricio Pochettino's men, who currently sit second in the Premier League table behind leaders Leicester City, have been hailed as the top flight's most balanced team this season, with their 4-0 win at Stoke City on Monday earning plaudits from all quarters.

United, on the other hand, are 12 points adrift of Spurs having disappointed throughout the season and must rely on other teams dropping points if they are to qualify for next season's Champions League.

However, Van Gaal believes his side are not too far behind the north London, despite seeing his side go down to a 3-0 defeat at White Hart Lane ten days ago.

"We have beaten Tottenham 1-0 (earlier in the season) and until the 70th minute (of the last match) I think we were the better team, but then (there was) a mis-communication," he said. "So, I don't think there is a lot of distance between Tottenham and Manchester United, but the distance is in points.

"They have won more, they are scoring more and that's because they have more creative players."

The Dutchman went on to make a renewed call for more "creative" additions to the squad, having made similar public requests for a 'superstar' signing last summer.

"It's always the case. I have said in advance what we need and in my opinion I don't have a senior creative player. Everybody knows that."

United entertain Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, knowing that three points will be needed in order to keep pace with their rivals for a top-four finish.

The meeting with Alan Pardew's side comes ahead of an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday, against Everton and their under-pressure manager Roberto Martinez.

"This game against Crystal Palace is very important," Van Gaal said. "We have to win, we need to win, otherwise we cannot close the gap.

"It is too important to rotate for freshness for the semi-final."