Hughes misses post-match press conference

Manchester City confirmed Mark Hughes will not carry out his normal post-match media duties this evening, which appears to set the seal on his time at the club.

A formal statement will be released later confirming Hughes, who has lost just two games this season and whose side defeated Sunderland 4-3 at Eastlands this afternoon, has been sacked.

Roberto Mancini was at today’s game and is expected to be confirmed as Hughes’ replacement at some point in the next couple of days.

Hughes waved to all four corners of the ground after today's 4-3 Barclays Premier League defeat of Sunderland.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce insisted the trend for sacking managers “has got to stop”.

And Bruce sympathised with his former Manchester United team-mate, who has been City manager for 563 days.

He explained: “With the industry we’re in, I’m disappointed for any Premier League manager who loses their job.

“It’s the worse feeling in the world and if that’s the case (that Hughes is going to be sacked) I’m disappointed for him.”

Chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak is set to deliver his own verdict on an overall transfer outlay in excess of £200m.

But Bruce reasoned on Sky Sports News: “You can’t build clubs in 18 months or one transfer window, you need a bit of time.

“It’s got to stop. What the hell’s the point spending years getting (coaching) badges and qualifications when you only get six months in the job?”

The announcement about Hughes' non-appearance was made only a couple of minutes before Bruce did make an appearance at the post-match press conference.

The Sunderland manager continued: “When things are not going well there is a clamour for the manager.

“I don’t think anyone is surprised by these things anymore.

“It is ridiculous. You are not going to encourage any young person to try and take this up. What is the point?

“What are the stats? Managers last about 18 months in the Championship. It is longer in the Premier League but that is because of the amount of time Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and David Moyes have been in their jobs.

“I am disappointed for Mark Hughes. Really disappointed.”