Manchester United chief executive David Gill has admitted that the club cannot match the wage packages offered by neighbours Manchester City.
The Manchester rivals are competing to sign Lille attacking midfielder Eden Hazard this summer and, while Gill concedes that City may have more financial muscle, he believes that many players would still prefer a move to Old Trafford because of the Red Devils' history and larger home support.
"It depends a bit on the player and his advisers and agent," Gill explained.
"If that player says 'It will just come down to a money thing' then they may out-muscle us. But that's their choice, we still pay very good salaries.
"But a player coming to Manchester United has the benefit of our history, heritage and playing in front of 76,000 every week."
Gill recently assured United supporters that funds are available for summer transfer deals.
Written by
Robert Summerscales
Robert Summerscales
