• Premier League

Moyes: Big players want to join United

David Moyes has insisted Manchester United remain the world's biggest club and is adamant that high-class players still want to join them.

United go to Chelsea on Sunday only seventh in the Premier League after a difficult start under Moyes, which has included elimination from the FA Cup.

And the Scot has struggled to sign new players, with Marouane Fellaini his only major addition so far - but he believes United have not lost their lustre and that major talents are still eager to sign for them.

"Manchester United are not only the biggest club in this country but the biggest club in the world," Moyes told British Sunday newspapers. "Some of the results have been not what you want but I wouldn't say the aura is fading. In fact, I think the opposite."

Moyes has scouted a number of players, including Atletico Madrid's Koke and the Juventus trio of Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio, as he looks for reinforcements.

He also failed in summer bids to sign Cesc Fabregas, Thiago Alcantara, Daniele de Rossi, Sami Khedira, Ander Herrera, Leighton Baines and Fabio Coentrao.

"The amount of big players wanting to join United is incredible," Moyes said. "Maybe players want to go for the money to other clubs but if you ask them where they really want to be: they want to wear the badge of Manchester United.

"It's because of the club and what it stands for in world terms. Players are not looking at the share price. They are looking at the football club."

United will kick off at Stamford Bridge 14 points behind leaders Arsenal but Moyes, who has not given up hope of retaining the title, said: "There are plenty of games to go."

Moyes believes the press are making the most of United's difficult spell, asking: "Are people enjoying United squirming? None more so than the media."

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