Manchester United legend Gary Pallister has claimed that the club must look to sign a player in the mould of Eden Hazard if they are to close the gap on Manchester City.

The Red Devils are trailing in City's wake with nine games of the Premier League season left to play, finding themselves cut 16 points adrift.

Alex Sanchez was brought in from Arsenal in an attempt to make up the deficit on the Citizens, but Pallister believes that his former side still 'lack creativity' and require a player boasting the qualities of Chelsea forward Hazard if things are to change next season.

"Manchester City have raised the bar so highly, it's going to be difficult to close that gap next year," he told SportingBet. "I think we lack a bit of creativity, but hopefully with Sanchez bedding in, that should raise it. I still think we need a Eden Hazard-esque type player.

"I think we need to be more free-flowing in our play, and try and match what City are doing. After City beat us at Old Trafford, it's clear there's a big gap. We've got some talented players, but we've lacked consistency.

"We've defended solidly in some games, and then others been completely picked apart. United of past were great at getting points when they've not player well and at the moment, we're not doing that. That's the sign of a team that's hungry to win the title."

United beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at Selhurst Park on Monday night to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League.