I think the situation is as follows.
Last Summer
1. Alexis wanted to work with Pep.
2. A deal was agreed that Alexis was happy with.
3. Other clubs came sniffing - PSG & Bayern who were given some incredible demands that quickly had them backing away.
4. 3 above was done on the basis that it would take other clubs out of the game or if they agreed to the huge sums asked - happy days.
Happy Days he didn't sign. In hindsight it's highly unlikely we'd be as well off as we are now.
Jan 2018
1. Nothing has changed from the Summer Alexis still wants to join Pep.
Everything has changed. From City's point of view, we're flying and have no reason to buy him. Deals do not hang there in perpetuity. City's attitude though changes when Jesus gets hurt at Palace.
2. Deal was agreed based on the deal agreed in the Summer
City did not agree any deal. We probably intended to offer similar terms to the player, and to negotiate downwards the fee payable to Arsenal, and then discovered that the player's terms had gone up and that he was in contact with Utd. At the same time we received good news from Dr Cugat re Jesus, and we quickly withdraw.
3. Another club came sniffing and were dealt with in exactly the same way that PSG & Bayern were in the summer. They were quoted an incredibly high wages/agent package and the result was expected to be the same.
4. However, this time the club was United who are desperate for 2 things
a) To improve their squad with star signings
b) To get one over City
5. To everyone's surprise United agreed to pay and given this will be Alexis last big contract he could not turn it down.
I don't blame him for going for the money. Effectively he is being well compensated for having to play shit Mourinho football.
No I don't blame him either. He owes us nothing. He has to do the best for himself. I predict he will really struggle at Utd. Maybe it will go OK at first, but in 1-2 years it will be a real struggle.