"If Newcastle United Invest £300 To £400 Million In The Summer, They Could Finish Above Manchester United"

Newcastle United have been told they could finish above Manchester United if they invest heavily in this summer's transfer window.

The Magpies extended their unbeaten run to eight games with Saturday's 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion and sit 14th in the Premier League.

Manager Eddie Howe has eased relegation fears and October's Saudi-led takeover means they're likely to spend big at the end of the season.

Jamie O'Hara believes they could come above a struggling United side if they splash the cash.

He told talkSPORT: "You look at Newcastle now, the way they're playing, the money they're going to spend in the summer. You've got a manager in Eddie Howe who has got his magic factor back again.

"I look at Newcastle and think if they continue the way they're going and they invest £300 or £400 million in players in the summer, they can finish above Manchester United!"

Newcastle added Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes and Chris Wood to their ranks in January.

Meanwhile, United suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat to bitter rivals Manchester City on Sunday and they've slipped outside the top four.

The Red Devils were heavily criticised for a lack of fight in the second half, especially after Riyad Mahrez made it 3-1.

City had 92 per cent possession in the final 15 minutes compared to United's eight.

O'Hara believes that kind of attitude wouldn't slide in United sides of the past.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder continued: "The mentality at Manchester United is nowhere near what it used to be. It's like they accept getting beat. That was never an option 10 years ago when you played Manchester United.

"It was unacceptable to get rolled over. I remember a few games when [Wayne] Rooney would play and they'd get beat, he'd go and nail someone or grab them by the scruff of the neck. I don't see that in this United team.

"It's like they accept 'We're not good enough, we're not as good as Manchester City.' That mentality needs to change if they want to be successful again."

Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw were missing at the Etihad Stadium but it was a convincing win for Pep Guardiola's side.

Former United defender Gary Neville said the players were an 'absolute disgrace' for the final 25 minutes and Roy Keane said a few should never represent the club again.