Richard Keys believes Man Utd should offer 'Saudi League money' to bring in Liverpool icon as new manager

Manchester United's winning streak screeched to a halt at the weekend when they left St James' Park empty-handed. The Reds were thwarted 1-0 at the hands of Newcastle United, who pushed them all the way for a top four finish last season.

Many predicted a similar season for United, but with 24 points on the board so far, they are currently seventh in the Premier League table. Nine points separate them and leaders Arsenal, and they are five off a Champions League qualification spot.

While they managed to pick up some form in recent weeks, the Red Devils lost three of their four matches in September. Of course, there's still a long way to go for United to edge their way back up the table, but a lot of fans and professionals alike are starting to air their concerns.

Richard Keys recently weighed in on the situation at Old Trafford and whether Erik ten Hag is the man to take this side forward. The pundit believes that United have now gotten themselves into a position where any top players who become available on the transfer market 'are just not' going to sign for them any more.

Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Keys delivered a surprise suggestion as he believes there is one glaring new managerial option for United.

"In my view, Manchester United should go now to Leverkusen and say to Xabi Alonso 'we want you to come to Old Trafford, we will give you Saudi League money and we will guarantee you five years, which Fergie had when he first went to Manchester United.

"He [Alonso] for me is the individual that might just be able to get something going."

Liverpool legend Alonso is attracting a lot of attention right now, as he is flying high with Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga. Earlier this year, it was rumoured that the former midfielder has a  'get-out clause' in his current contract which would allow him to leave if Liverpool, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich approached him.

However, Fabrizio Romano has since debunked this rumour, but has said there is a 'gentleman’s agreement' between Alonso and Leverkusen, who have confirmed they will not stand in his way if he wished to move elsewhere.