Another reminder that modern football is weird.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is – at the time of writing, at least – a Manchester United player. He also was on Sunday, the day he turned 29 years of age.
He is, however, expected to complete a move to Arsenal in the very near future, one half of a swap deal which will see Alexis Sanchez move in the opposite direction.
With his move to The Emirates all but completed, he shared pictures of his birthday celebrations on Instagram. The Armenian, already in London ahead of his move, was joined by agent Minor Raiola and Paul Pogba – his soon-to-be ex-teammate.
Much to the dismay of supporters of Arsenal and United alike, there were no birthday wishes extended to the former Borussia Dortmund forward from his current employers. Not on social media, at least.
As many football fans pointed out, United’s social media accounts failed to recognise the player’s special day. Enough to see the club branded ‘pathetic’ and ’embarrassing’ on Twitter.
Bit pathetic that @ManUtd didn’t wish Mkhitaryan happy birthday. Their fans were more than willing to do so, I don’t see why the club account didn’t.
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) January 22, 2018
Embarrassing how the United Social accounts have not wished Mkhitaryan on his birthday. Irrespective of move, wishing someone on their birthday is basic courtesy.
Anyway.
— The United Link 🏆 (@TheUnitedLink) January 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/Shawnife_/status/955130411415425025
So no Birthday wishes for Mkhitaryan today eh @ManUtd…okay? 😥😥😥
— Chibwe Mulenga (@_iamchibwe) January 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/JackMcLean7/status/955361954411040768
@ManUtd failing to wish Mkhitaryan a happy birthday is pretty poor. Regardless of whether he's leaving, it's poor on the club's behalf to not acknowledge his birthday.
— Eric (@eric_arsenal) January 22, 2018
@ManUtd didn't even wish Mkhi happy birthday 😳😕 .#Mkhitaryan #Mufc
Goodbye #Mkhitaryan pic.twitter.com/B0xwbfiCXE— raim (@justraim) January 22, 2018
Some even went as far as suggesting Mkhitaryan’s numerous posts about his birthday were a ‘dig’ at the club for their failure to wish him well.
Anyone think Mkhitaryan’s aiming small digs at the official club account for not wishing him happy birthday?
Never seen someone mention it’s their birthday so much.
— Jordan (@FourFourJordan) January 22, 2018
Yeah, honestly.
Mkhitaryan is expected to be officially unveiled by Arsenal at a similar time to when Sanchez is confirmed as a United player. The Chilean was reported to have been sorting out paperwork for his work permit on Monday before completing his switch.
