Kevin De Bruyne first down tunnel following 'acrimonious' Pep Guardiola greeting

The Citizens midfielder was brought on in the 75th minute in the Boxing Day clash at the Etihad, but barely made an impact off the bench.

And not wanting to stick around, the 33-year-old instead made a sharp beeline to the tunnel.

On his way off the pitch, the Belgium international was greeted by Pep Guardiola, but it's safe to say their interaction was anything but friendly.

Though that's hardly a surprise given City's dreadful form, with the Premier League champions winning just once from their last 13 games in all competitions.

Commenting on De Bruyne's sharp exit, talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham said: "What was telling right at the end, Kevin De Bruyne was probably the first down the tunnel."

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To which ex-City defender Danny Mills, on commentary duty for talkSPORT, replied: "I noticed that, he just turned and left the field.

"Pep sort of went towards him, but it was very acrimonious wasn't it? It wasn't a pat on the back and a handshake.

"I think Kevin De Bruyne did not look happy. Yes, he'll be disappointed with the result.

"But I think equally he'll be very very disappointed he only got what, 15 minutes or so?"

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City fans were also quick to notice De Bruyne's quick departure, as one X user said: "Don't blame him, I would've done the same."

Another posted: "Can't blame him, disgrace to keep him on the bench for that long."

A third added: "Hopefully he's one of the first to Saudi with an attitude like that."

This supporter then messaged: "Sorry, but sell him in Jan love him, but his time is up."

Meanwhile this fan simply stated: "He doesn't give a f***."

It was only last week which saw De Bruyne left on the bench by Guardiola as Aston Villa beat City 2-1 in the Midlands.

De Bruyne - in the final year of his contract at City - has once again been plagued by an injury-hit season so far.

He has chipped in with just two goals and as many assists from ten top-flight outings this term.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for De Bruyne, with the player able to speak to foreign clubs regarding a free transfer from January.

talkSPORT understands that MLS clubs are ready to pounce, and could formalise their interest as early as next month.

San Diego FC could test City's resolve to keep their serial-title winning midfielder by making an offer to release him from his contract six months early.

David Beckham's Inter Miami are also believed to be tracking De Bruyne's situation

De Bruyne is understood to favour a move to MLS over the riches of the Saudi Pro League in the event of an exit from the Etihad Stadium.

City are yet to show any indication that they want to extend the midfielder's contract.

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But as it stands, City have bigger things to worry about that De Bruyne's situation, with the club 11 points behind leaders Liverpool.

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Guardiola's side have won just once form their last nine Premier League outings - losing on six occasions.

Next up for De Bruyne and City is a trip to face Leicester on December 29.