James Trafford gives Leeds United a £40m glimpse as Noah Okafor impresses against Man Utd | OneFootball

James Trafford offered Leeds United an early £40m glimpse with a composed first half and the man-of-the-match award, while Noah Okafor caught the eye off the bench against Man Utd at Croke Park.

According to Leeds Live, Croke Park had not staged a football match since November 2009 and had never hosted a club game. A vocal Leeds section occupied Hill 16.

Trafford joined on Tuesday and, after only one activation session before flying to Dublin, went straight into the XI for 45 minutes. His long passing, anticipation and command of the area stood out, and Leeds have invested a club-record £40m in the hope he can save or win them points.

One first-half moment underlined it, when Byran Mbeumo’s shot bound for the corner was turned past the post as Trafford got down sharply.

Okafor is not expected to start the opening game at Nottingham Forest, having returned late after Switzerland’s run to the last eight of the World Cup. Even so, his first pre-season outing on Wednesday showcased his threat.

Introduced at half-time, he won a free-kick with his first involvement, then beat two players before sweeping a ball to Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He looked dangerous whenever he had the ball.

Fellow substitute Wilfried Gnonto sparked Leeds after the interval, driving down the right and twice almost picking out Calvert-Lewin with crosses, leading to corners.

Farke has said he likes attacking football, and with a back five this may be as bold as he can be for now.

Source: Leeds Live

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