Learning's to take from Man Utd's loss.

Firstly this not a glory supporter talking; yes I'm a Londoner but have supported Manchester United for all 35 years of my life and I try to get to Old Trafford as many times as possible every season. Watching Man Utd play in the Champions League against Sevilla was some of the worst football I've seen at Old Trafford. But there are learning's to take even in the darkest moments & here are some thoughts.

It all starts with the right attitude

United were buried before the match even started. In the pre-match interview Jose used emotionally-filled words like dangerous scoreline, anything can happen, let's see what happens. I think is a very difficult match. Such words from the leader of the pack, doesn't fill you with hope or inspiration. It feeds the negative thoughts in your brain - creating a cautious approach, with doubts creeping in.

Leaders in football, or in the general workplace, need to fill their team with confidence, a spirit of victory and a belief that we're all in this together. Do we inspire the people around us? Are we're nurturing the right attitude for our team to thrive?

Trust plays a huge part

Everyone has a role to play but each one of us also has dreams, ambition and desires that need to be fulfilled. Footballers are no different. With or without possession the first United view was zero risk; no one wanted to run with the ball, take a risk, push forward, take on a player, play that magic pass. As a result, the play was lethargic, lacking ambition and the ball went side-to-side-backwards-side-to-side.

If a rope is tied, even the most talented individuals are limited. It's easy to lock team members into specific roles (as a BA just worry about requirements, don't think beyond this), enforce a start time, define working locations. There is a false belief that governance and micro management creates productivity; just by having someone physically in front of you, doesn't equate to better results. Once you've identified the right individuals, trust needs to be bestowed & freedom of expression should never be restricted.

The team has to come first, treatment has to be equal

Alexis is without a doubt one of the most talented footballers going. However since his arrival to Old Trafford, there hasn't been a single performance which warranted a starting position against Sevilla. A name can & should only take one so far; it's actions that really count. Once too many times the likes of Juan Mata, who work's hard for the team & make's a real difference to the game, are dropped to the bench - largely because he is low maintenance, there is no expensive price tag & he is one of those nice guys who will accept an instruction and sit quietly for the good of the team. The result is another poor display.

We all have that team member who goes about doing their work, puts in the hours, yet get's unnoticed. Often we are guilty of misusing their loyalty, passion and effort towards their work simply because we know there will be little reaction. Underperformance, no matter the individual, has to be challenged and likewise performance has to be duly rewarded.

So what next?

Thankfully I'm surrounded by some amazing colleagues @Vivek Awasthi, @Leo Markides. And my team is building up nicely too - @Moshin Elahi, @Nihat Karakum, @Oleg Skrida. We have a lot of work ahead of us and if you're looking for a new challenge perhaps @Currencies Direct is the place for you? Get in touch.

As for Manchester United, I really hope Jose and the players have a long hard think about what happened. The season is not yet over & the key now is the reaction over the remaining matches.