4 suspected "Japanese knotweeds" in the Manchester United dressing room

Recently, Sky Sports commentator and Manchester United legend Gary Neville spoke about there being ‘Japanese knotweed’ in the United dressing room after the Red Devils’ humiliating loss at Goodison Park. And that whoever this person is, or these players are, are the ones responsible for the club’s inconsistent performances this season.

But first, what the heck is Japanese knotweed?

A quick search on Google throws up this – Japanese knotweed is one of the world’s worst invasive species. Its invasive root system and strong growth can damage concrete foundations, buildings, flood defences, roads, paving, retaining walls and architectural sites.

So what Mr. Neville was essentially saying is that some players in that Manchester United dressing room are messing up the very foundation of this historic club! Far from helping the Red Devils get back to their glory days, these players are pulling the club down with their divisive tactics. And Neville’s argument is not without merit, either.

After Manchester United appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker manager in December, the team, supposedly liberated from Ole’s predecessor Jose Mourinho’s stifling tactics, went on to win an incredible 14 out of 19 games and lost just twice across competitions. This stupendous turnaround in fortunes convinced the United hierarchy to give OGS the job on a permanent basis. Things were looking up like they haven’t since the good ol’ days of ‘Fergie’. And then the knotweed resurfaced.

The Norwegian has seen his side's form slide remarkably in the last couple of weeks

Since being appointed on a full-time basis, OGS has lost five out of eight games, including exiting the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona. With just two games to go, United’s Top 4 hopes are also hanging by a thread.

It really does seem that United players can switch it on and off like a tap. But the question is, who controls this tap. Here are the prime suspects:

Suspect #1: Paul Pogba

The Frenchman has been in inconsistent form for the Red Devils this season

Under Ole, Paul Pogba has scored 11 goals and made 7 assists. On the face of it, those numbers don’t look bad at all, especially for a midfielder. But when you look a little deeper, that is when you realize that all but two of those goals and all of the assists had come during Ole’s first 17 games. United’s slump coincided with Pogba’s decline in form.

There were several reports that Paul Pogba gave an intense speech to his teammates before the World Cup final in Russia. If Pogba is afforded such high status in a team that comprises of experienced players and proven leaders such as Hugo Lloris, Antoine Griezmann and Blaise Matuidi, it isn’t a stretch to think that Pogba is the head of the pack at Man United, a team that contains only a handful of experienced heads.

OGS has also said in numerous interviews that Pogba is the leader of this youthful team.

All these things point to a single thing – Paul Pogba wields massive influence in that Man United dressing room. If he can get them playing, he can also stop them from giving their best, or so it seems. So, could he be the Japanese knotweed Gary Neville was referring to?

Suspect #2: Alexis Sanchez

The Chilean has been a massive failure at Man United

Arguably the greatest transfer failure in the history of the club, Alexis Sanchez came to Manchester United in January 2018 under Jose Mourinho with great expectations. Unfortunately for the United faithful, he has only scored 3 goals since. Yes, he has been unlucky with injuries, but when he has played, he’s looked a shadow of the beast he was at former club Arsenal. No wonder he has moved down the pecking order at United with first Jose and now OGS preferring Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata over him.

Constantly being left out of the team in spite of being one of the most senior players, not to mention the highest paid player too, could make one feel bitter. And that bitterness could spread like fire around the dressing room. Is Sanchez’s bitterness driving the United dressing down?

Suspect #3: Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku has failed to turn up when it mattered the most for Man United this season

Much like Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku would have liked to enjoy more game time at United. But unlike the Chilean, Lukaku cannot hide behind injuries. Both OGS and his predecessor Jose have afforded him ample time and opportunity to deliver the goods. Only, Lukaku hasn’t. Or at least not on a consistent basis.

At Everton, his previous club, the Belgian was often criticized for not turning up during the big games. Unfortunately for him, the same theme has continued at United too. The criticism was still bearable at Everton, but at a club the size of United, there is no hiding place.

Is the weight of being United’s Number 9 becoming unbearable for Lukaku? Is the criticism finally getting too much to handle? And could that negativity be the cause of United’s recent failures?

Suspect #4: David de Gea

Has David de Gea finally had enough? He has been United’s player of the season in 4 out of the last 5 seasons. Being one of the few who has seen the glory days of United under Sir Alex, he’s witnessed from close quarters how far the standards have fallen at the club, despite his best efforts.

Given the current state Manchester United finds itself in, it’s clear that a change in fortunes will take a while. The question is, does DDG have the patience for United to get back to competing for the big titles? Or does he feel it’s time to move on to a team closer to winning titles such as Paris Saint-Germain? If it’s the latter, then there is reason to believe that he may be the knotweed damaging the foundations of the club.

Post your comments and let us know who you think is the Japanese knotweed in the Manchester United dressing room.

Edited by Amar Anand