David Moyes has insisted that Manchester United remain the biggest club in the world and are thus capable of attracting the game's biggest names.
The Red Devils failed in their summer pursuit of Cesc Fabregas and were also touted with an interest in Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, but their only major signing in the last transfer window turned out to be Marouane Fellaini.
They have since struggled in the Premier League and face a battle for a top-four finish, but Moyes has rubbished claims that their performances this term, the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, or their share prices falling, has damaged United's ability to sign the best players ahead of their rivals.
The Scot told reporters: "Manchester United are not only the biggest club in this country, but the biggest club in the world. I don't think any of the aura is fading whatsoever. Some of the results have not been what you would want, but I wouldn't say the aura is fading - in fact, I think the opposite.
"There is no issue about signing big players - not by my trips and the things I am hearing. The number of big players wanting to join Manchester United is incredible. Maybe players want to go to other clubs for the money, but if you ask them where they really want to be, which club they really want to wear the badge of, they want to wear the badge of Manchester United.
"It's because of what this club stands for in world terms - everything about it. The share price doesn't matter whatsoever. Players are not looking at the share price. What they are looking at is the club and what it stands for in football and world terms. It is renowned throughout the world, wherever you go, and I don't see that changing."
United go into their game with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge seventh in the table, 14 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
Joe Fish
