Manchester United went into this morning's vital EPL match at Chelsea with manager David Moyes insisting they are still the biggest football club in the world.
United sit seventh in the Premier League, face a scramble for Champions' League qualification, and their share price has dropped 16 per cent sinceSir Alex Ferguson retired, but a defiant Moyes said: "Manchester United are not only the biggest club in this country but the biggest club in the world.
"Some of the results have not been what you want but I wouldn't say the aura is fading; in fact I think the opposite."
The manager downplayed suggestions that United, after a frustrating summer transfer window, risk missing out on other future targets.
"The amount of big players wanting to join Manchester United is incredible," said Moyes, who was spotted watching games in Italy and France last week.
"Players are not looking at the share price. What they are looking at is the football club and what it stands for. It is renowned throughout the world, wherever you go, and I don't see that [changing] at all."
United were to visit Stamford Bridge 14 points behind the leaders, Arsenal, and needing to improve on a miserable record against the teams above them - in seven matches against the top six they have won just once. Another loss this morning (NZ time) would almost certainly deal a fatal blow to their fading hopes of retaining their crown.
