Phil Neville: Manchester City going through European "transition"

Everton's Phil Neville has likened Manchester City's problems in the Champions League to the ones that Manchester United suffered during his time with the Red Devils.

Roberto Mancini's City have failed to get beyond the group stages of the competition for the second season in succession, which in turn has resulted in criticism being levelled at both the manager and his players.

Having experienced a similar scenario with City's rivals United, Neville believes that the Sky Blues are still struggling to adapt to the European style of football.

"At Manchester United it took us five years to get into contention in the Champions League, and City are going through that transition now," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"They have been punished for mistakes they've made because they are trying to play Premier League football in Europe."

City will qualify for the Europa League if they achieve a better result against Borussia Dortmund than Ajax manage against Real Madrid this evening.