Scott Sinclair has delivered a withering assessment of life at Manchester City under Roberto Mancini, claiming the Italian could not even provide him with an explanation as to why he signed him when the winger queried his lack of first-team opportunities.

Sinclair ended his year to forget at the Etihad Stadium last week when he arrived at West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move.

Having been purchased for £6 million from Swansea City 12 months ago, Sinclair made just three starts under Mancini, who was sacked in May after failing to deliver a trophy.

The 24-year-old concedes he “had his differences” with the Italian, whose aloof style led to dressing-room unrest, and that his mind was made up