Manchester United have attempted to avoid a birthday backlash seen at rivals City earlier this season – by wishing Ashley Young and Rafael well on their big day.
Attacking midfielder Young, 29, and right back Rafael, 24, both celebrate their birthdays today and the United Twitter account was quick to mark the special occasion.
Happy birthday to Rafael… & sorry about the #BRA result last night. Rafa & his brother Fabio turn 24 today. #mufc pic.twitter.com/0JgWajsgVP
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 9, 2014
@ManUtd Ashley Young is also celebrating his birthday today. He’s 29. Have a great day, Ash! pic.twitter.com/yTbtxQ56cQ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 9, 2014
The Old Trafford tweets comes in the wake of birthdaygate, when Ivorian Yaya Toure felt he was not ‘valued’ and ‘appreciated’ after City forgot to wish him well on his big day.
The gaffe led the 31-year-old to fuel speculation he might be leaving the Etihad this summer, with a move to PSG heavily rumoured.
And it’s unclear how both Young and Rafael will feature under new United boss Louis van Gaal’s plans for the coming season.
Young played in only 20 games last season, scoring two goals, while Rafael featured in 19 games but both under-performed as United struggled to a seventh-placed league finish.
The Red Devils begin their pre-season tour in America next week where they will play against Los Angeles Galaxy before facing Roma, Inter Milan and Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Main image courtesy of bwin via YouTube, with thanks.
