Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that finishing in the top four this season will be "very difficult" following his side's 1-1 draw with Leicester City this afternoon.

Anthony Martial broke the deadlock early on at Old Trafford, but the lead lasted only nine minutes before Wes Morgan inched his side ever closer to the title with the equaliser.

The result did force Leicester to wait for Premier League glory, though, while it also leaves United four points adrift of the top four when they could have closed the gap on Manchester City to two points with a victory.

"The start was unbelievably good, the first 25 minutes was fantastic to see, but then Leicester came more in the match. It is logical, they are the future champions, not for nothing," Van Gaal told reporters.

"I have said to my players that I have seen one of the best matches of the season of my lineup I think, but it was not enough. The first goal is a fantastic goal but it is 1-1 and I have said we have to win every game so now already we are not closing the gap.

"It is dependent on City because Arsenal has won, so that is a big gap for three matches. You can do it but it shall be very difficult."

United face away fixtures against Norwich City and West Ham United in their next two games, before finishing the league season at home to Bournemouth.