Manchester United may be the biggest and richest club in the world, but according to Alex Ferguson they cannot afford the very best players.
The United boss claims the club's wages policy is preventing him from buying top stars like Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo.
This is despite the fact that United smashed their pay ceiling last season to give skipper Roy Keane a new contract worth a reported £52,000 a week.
Ferguson is in the market for new players to strengthen his squad, but he claims it is extremely difficult to buy someone of the right quality who fits into the club's wages structure.
A frustrated Ferguson said: "The only way Manchester United can improve the team is by buying the Zidanes and Figos of this world, in which case it is out of our financial reach.
"We're looking at one or two things, but it's all about money.
"It's difficult finding players who are good enough for here at our wage level.
"It's something that annoys you at times, but there is nothing you can do about it.
"Who wouldn't want a Zinedine Zidane or a Luis Figo in their team? But we have a fabulous group of players and they should do well next season.
"There are some things we are exploring, but I'm very happy with the squad I have got."
In light of this Inter Milan's reported readiness to bid £31 million for England midfielder Paul Scholes could be an attractive option.
However United chairman and chief executive Martin Edwards dismissed the claims, saying: "I have not spoken to any one from Inter Milan. No bid has been made."
Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven have played down talk of United target Ruud van Nistelrooy returning from injury before the end of the year.
Van Nistelrooy is making good progress following surgery in the United States on his ruptured cruciate ligament.
The injury in April to the PSV striker's right knee scuppered his £18.5 million move to Old Trafford.
Although Van Nistelrooy is making good progress, PSV insist the 24-year-old will not be back before March.
PSV spokesman Pedro SalazarHewitt said: "He is recovering very well and he's working according to the schedule that he was given in the United States.
"But it's still going to take a long time. It could be at least eight months and we don't want to force anything.
Meanwhile, Massimo Taibi is close to ending his Manchester United nightmare by agreeing a permanent move to Italian club Reggina.
United have been holding transfer talks with Reggina, where Taibi spent the second half of last season on loan, for the last few days and could soon clinch a deal.
