The second link (ESPN) also says he was rejected by all these clubs and that City did not want to pay transfer fee to Juve, the title of the article is a bit confusing.
"......that Ronaldo's representatives (led by his agent, Jorge Mendes) were gauging interest from some of Europe's top clubs, including United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, if -- and, at that point, it was a big "if" -- he left Juventus. The answer from United at the time was a polite no................ Mendes got a similar answer from Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester City. Then came Harry Kane's announcement, made on Wednesday, that he would not be moving to City...."
City never wanted to pay the transfer fee which actually was frustrating for Juve management as they did not want Ronaldo to leave for free . Then United entered the conversation at that point agreeing to pay the transfer fee as said below.
"...........There was a reluctance to meet the financial demands of both Juventus and Ronaldo (for City) ---------- and Pep Guardiola also had reservations about how he would fit in on and off the pitch. ............ On Thursday night, Mendes received a proposal from United. On Friday morning, conversations with Juventus began and United assured the Italian club they were prepared to pay a fee, something City had so far resisted....."
The point is yes, obviously, City was interested in Ronaldo after Kane deal failed but never wanted to pay Juve the transfer fee and Pep was hesitant. Obviously, I have no idea what would happen if United did not join the conversation, whether or not City would agree with Juve on the transfer fee.