Is the end for Manuel at Manchester City?

Put quite bluntly, yes.

Whether he deserves more time is another debate especially after losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Not only does it look to be the end for the City manager, but also the natural lifespan of a squad that has managed to wring two Premier League titles out of the past three seasons.

There won't be a fourth this year.

It is not so much failure that has left Manuel a dead manager walking, but the worrying nature of the collapse. Too many of City's players have not been up to the task.

Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri are a few figures who City may look to sell to rebuild in the era of financial fair play.

Captain Kompany's slide in form has been symbolic of his side's wayward run in losing their past three away league matches to Liverpool, Burnley and Palace. They have suffered three straight away defeats.

It has been a depressing sequence of results that leaves their prospects of finishing second in the table in severe doubt. They occupy fourth spot in the standings, seven points ahead of Liverpool, but are two points behind Arsenal and one behind Manchester United before they visit Old Trafford on Sunday.

A visit to the noisy neighbours could get even noisier with Louis van Gaal's side suddenly smelling blood.

A win for United would go a long way to ensuring they finish at least third, leaving City with the possibility of winding up in fourth and having to negotiate a qualifying round to reach the Champions League group stage. Not what City's owners need.

WHO ARE THE BOOKMAKERS TIPPING TO BECOME CITY'S NEW MANAGER?

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti appears to be the popular choice. Altetico Madrid's' Diego Simeone is also a favourite.

Much will depend upon on Ancelotti finishes the season with Real Madrid chasing Liga and Champions Leage riches. Simeone might be a more viable prospect, but the Champions League also remains on the table for Atletico.

-