There were some quarters that were worried that MAG purchasing STN would lead to STN being favoured for expansion, such as an airline looking at MAN but STN being promoted instead.
An example of this would be: Etihad wants an extra flight to the UK, and look at MAN. MAG then say 'rather than MAN, why not STN?'
I think this comment from Mr Harrison speaks volumes:
He said: “While we are talking to them about Manchester we can be talking to them about Stansted
New boss talking language of success at Stansted Airport | Uttlesford village headlines
Quite a worrying statement as far as MAN is concerned, seems it could loose out after all.