Former England manager Graham Taylor believes that Sir Alex Ferguson would have sold Mario Balotelli if the striker was at Manchester United.

Balotelli picked up his fourth red card of his Manchester City career in the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, which prompted manager Roberto Mancini to say that the Italian will "probably" be sold in the summer.

Taylor said: "There's no doubt that Balotelli's a highly talented player but, let's face it, he does not always deliver and he once again let his side down badly during the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.

"You can't afford to do what he did and expect to get away with it. Did he learn from that fortunate escape? Of course he didn't.

"Mancini is experienced enough to realise that if you cannot rely on your players, they are going to cost you. Balotelli wouldn't be at Manchester United now. Sir Alex Ferguson would have moved him on."

Manchester City are now eight points behind Manchester United at the top of the Premier League.