Manchester United shambles further highlights how far ahead Man City really are

It's been a strange few months for Manchester City, a period that doesn't quite know whether it's been successful, disappointing or somewhere in-between.

Pep Guardiola's side have seen their 14 point lead at the top of the Premier League table evaporate (although due to Liverpool's two games in-hand that advantage was always slightly misleading), and on Saturday suffered FA Cup semi-final defeat for the third consecutive season.

On the flip side, City have reached the Champions League semi-finals for a second year in a row, and over the past few months have played some breathtaking football. Perhaps inconsistent is the word that best describes City's recent outings.

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However, there is always someone worse off. In this instance, that someone is Manchester United.

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past eight months, you'll know that City's neighbours are in a state of complete shambles. Under Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer the team was limp and lifeless, the legendary player-turned-manager resembling an old race horse destined for the knackers in his final weeks in charge.

Ralf Rangnick arrived as interim manager with the promise of intense, high-octane pressing football. That has not arrived, but in fairness that's not surprising given the resources at the German's disposal.

A 4-0 mauling at the hands of Liverpool on Tuesday - which did City no favours in the title race - was United's ninth of the season, and means missing out on Champions League football next season is a very real possibility. Blame can be apportioned to the players and coach, but it is clear that United's demise over the past decade started at the top.

Curren