According to reporter Sully, Manchester United are not pursuing negotiations on a single track for Matheus Fernandes; they have also recently made contact with Scott's agent. Manchester City are similarly actively pushing for Elliott Anderson's transfer while maintaining contact with Tonali's agent.
Sully addressed a fan's question: "Why does Manchester United need to establish a transfer hierarchy system, focusing on only one deal at a time? Other top clubs don't operate this way."
"The reality of how transfer markets operate is far from the linear progression presented to the public. Manchester United is constantly in communication with major agencies and clubs regarding transfers of multiple players, but the mainstream media typically only becomes aware of developments after the club leaks information or news emerges independently. It's only in the later stages of negotiations that the team concentrates on a primary target, which is when rumors begin circulating widely.
Matheus Fernandes is Manchester United's primary transfer target at this stage, and the club is actively consulting with West Ham United and the player's representatives. However, this does not preclude us from pursuing other transfer opportunities simultaneously. We have been meeting and communicating with agents of multiple potential targets and their respective clubs. For instance, in recent weeks, we have resumed talks with Alex Scott's agent; concurrently, as our candidate list narrows, we are also evaluating reinforcements for other positions.
The same applies to Manchester City; while actively pursuing Elliott Anderson's transfer, they are also maintaining contact with Sandro Tonali's agent. Although formal negotiations with Newcastle United have not yet begun, Anderson is certainly not their only transfer option.
This also explains why major clubs can swiftly complete replacement signings when a deal collapses – the groundwork (initial contact, data analysis, background checks, agent communication) is often completed weeks or even months beforehand. Strategically, clubs will not show all their cards: if the selling club knows you have multiple alternatives, or if competitors discover all your transfer targets, negotiations become disadvantageous, and transfer fees become inflated.
The fundamental principle is: focusing on one transfer does not mean working exclusively on matters related to that single player."
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