They currently trail fourth-placed Manchester City by one point, which could be four by the time United go to London on Sunday.
However, United haven’t lost at Tottenham since 2001 and their record against the top sides in the Premier League this season is impressive – with five wins and three draws from nine games against the current top seven.
They have had costly slip-ups against lower-ranked teams, though, which Van Gaal attributes to the way teams have played against United.
“We need creative players. Also more fast players, quick-thinking players. The lower teams are mostly parking the bus, as the English say,” he added.
“That’s more difficult. Top teams want to play against us, then we can play also. That’s the big difference. I have analysed it that way.”
After spending much of the season under siege from fans and former United players for his conservative tactics, Van Gaal has weathered the storm and could still salvage his reputation by securing a top-four finish and winning the FA Cup.
“It’s not so interesting, my record. It’s interesting for the players that they have to win this game at this moment. We still have to close the gap of one point,” he said.
“We have to win and we are dependable on the results of our competitors. We have to win and I have to say every week that we must win. The pressure is our pressure.
“The pressure is also on Tottenham Hotspur now. They have to close the gap on Leicester City. It is the same position more or less as Manchester United at this time.”
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