United manager Simon Grayson has hit back after the club's promotion ambitions were questioned this week.

Grayson has dismissed suggestions that the sale of skipper Jonny Howson undermined the promotion campaign, and says the club's standing in the Championship had no influence on the player moving to Norwich City.

"We've got a group here who we feel can get promoted but it's all about succeeding in that," said the boss.

"Deep down I know that Jonny would have loved to get this club promoted but nobody can guarantee that it will happen. It's not a sign of a lack of ambition that a club is signing one of our players.

"Our ambition will be shown by speculation linking three or four of our players with other clubs - that won't be happening and they won't be leaving. It's utter nonsense.

"Unless someone offers an absolute fortune. Any club is vulnerable to that. Manchester United were vulnerable when they sold Ronaldo to Real Madrid. We've got no intention of selling any other player to any other club.

"Jonny's deal suited us and him. But any other deal has to suit us, not the individual because all the other players apart from Aidy White are all under contract for at least 18 months.

"We don't have to do anything. If they want to leave then tough. They've got enough time on their contracts to make sure they're not going anywhere."

Media speculation this week has linked Wigan with a move for striker Ross McCormack and Bolton with a swoop for midfielder Adam Clayton - but the boss dismissed both stories.

"I've not had anything from Roberto Martinez or Owen Coyle," he said. "They've all got my number and nobody's rung me."