Moyes in mood to join big spenders

David Moyes says Manchester United are ready to become big players in the transfer market again.

The Old Trafford manager is looking to reconstruct his team after an alarming start to their Premier League campaign.

United missed out on several transfer targets in the summer, bringing in only Marouane Fellaini from Everton.

But, for the first time, Moyes has revealed that they were thwarted in their bid to bring a truly stellar name to the club in the summer and he’s not talking about Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas.

“We were very close to a major, major signing,” he admits. “I know it’s easy to say it now and we didn’t do it but had it happened, the club would have definitely showed what they’re worth. United have got the money and we will spend, there’s no question about that.”

Asked if it would be possible to revive the deal in January, he said: “I can’t say who it is but that particular player, no. And I would be surprised if it is next summer.”

The obvious conclusion is that United were either prepared to compete with Real Madrid for Gareth Bale, or were trying to lure back Cristiano Ronaldo.

Moyes hasn’t ruled out January activity but again stressed he is not looking for a short-term fix.

“I don’t need someone for the next six months,” he says. “I’m looking to get someone who will be with us for the next six or seven years. I want to bring them as soon as I can, but a lot of them may be at clubs in the Champions League or clubs not willing to sell because they’re in good league positions.

“We were close and Ed (chief executive Ed Woodward) worked really hard. In the end, though, we just didn’t quite get there.

“It wasn’t the money, that’s for sure. The stumbling block is the real elite players now have the choice of several clubs. United will always be one of them, but there is competition from Paris St Germain, Real Madrid, Barcelona, clubs in this country as well.”

Moyes takes his team to Aston Villa today trying to close the gap on the leaders.

He will also be keeing a close eye on tomorrow’s last-16 Champions League draw, after steering United to the top of their group in his debut season in the competition.

“Thank goodness we finished top,” he says. “When you see the teams you could face if you were second, it’s tough. Whoever we get is a hard game, but finishing first gives us a great opportunity.”

And United’s players haven’t written off retaining their title.

“It is not impossible,” says Brazilian full-back Rafael. “We just need to win the next game, then the next. I think we have a chance. We can go ten games unbeaten. We have done it before.

“This is Manchester United and the club is about winning titles.”