Manchester United manager David Moyes has claimed that the club came "very close" to making a "major signing" during the summer.
The Premier League champions were linked with a host of European stars in pre-season, including Thiago Alcantara, Cesc Fabregas, Ander Herrera, Gareth Bale and even Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, Moyes was unable to secure deals for the majority of his top targets, meaning that Marouane Fellaini from Everton was the only new arrival to be added to his first-team squad.
"We were very close to a major, major signing," United's official website quotes Moyes as saying.
"It's easy to say now, 'Well, you didn't do it' but we were very close to a major signing when the club would have definitely shown what its worth is. We have got the money and the club will spend. There is no question about that.
"We were close to a couple of really major signings. I've got to say, Ed [Woodward, executive vice chairman] worked really hard trying to make those signings happen."
Under Moyes, the Red Devils, who travel to Aston Villa later today, have endured their worst start to a Premier League season in 12 years.
