Possible.
But Grealish and Haaland were extremely high profile transfers, if for different reasons, and the Kane saga went on for months. Never did I hear us being thought of as not being an option for being a plastic club (a term I despise, btw. Some bullshit term used by hypocritical fans of clubs with an entitled attitude, but I digress.) Now in the Bellingham scenario this narrative crops up. I guess I just don't trust Bellingham's father. I could be dead wrong. Maybe he didn't say anything about who his son did NOT want to play for. Maybe it was just in the context of kissing RM's ass in saying how Jude wants to play for a club with a big history and reputation. RM could have then spun it around into who he didn't want to play for making it an opportunity to take a shot at us. Let's not fool ourselves. RM view City as a serious and dangerous threat to their perceived global dominance going forward. At this time much more so than any other club, and for good reason.
Just watch the Galacticos docuseries on ESPN+ if you want an inside look at Florentino Perez in action. Watch how he goes about taking control of the club. Watch how he manipulates the transfer market including his use of the press, specifically regarding the Luis Figo transfer. It's his job and he's good at it, so fair play to him. But knowing all of this one can see why beating us to Bellingham is about more than just a player. We beat them to Haaland. Mbappe stayed at PSG (for now).
Jude's father may have been played as far as giving RM a free shot at us. I still think he should make a statement that the plastic club nonsense did not come from him or anyone else in their camp...