We can't ignore that Man U is facing challenges now, to the point that the new management ended the annual honorary money paid to Sir Alex Ferguson for his long-term contribution to the club in a bid to reduce operating cost. Notwithstanding, it might not be as bad as the media takes it. Man U might believe they are just two people (Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho) and it might not be the first time clubs are doing it among themselves, this one might merely leak with a different meaning being read to it due to Man U's unfortunate situation.
I am sure that clubs that are doing well might internally be asking for a favour from others, it doesn't matter. To also cut costs, various rival companies do it in many industries, that is what I call a healthy rivalry. Even in the movie industry, they reach out to themselves to cut costs since their competitors already have it, they will just pay for the service/rent or pay back when the rival later needs their help/service in return.