Ireland has been expected to join Aston Villa as part of the deal that would see James Milner move to Eastlands.
“Stephen Ireland is a good player but he has been here all his life and he needs to change,” said Mancini.
“Sometimes it can happen that a player stays with the same squad for 15 years and plays well but a moment arrives when he needs to change.
“Now is time for him. I really think he can improve.”
