Manchester United came out on top against Leeds United on penalties after the two sides drew 1-1 in their pre-season meeting in Dublin on Wednesday evening.
United made the brighter start and deservedly took the lead through Joshua Zirkzee after dominating the early stages. Leeds responded before the break, with Brenden Aaronson getting on the scoresheet to bring Farke’s side level.
The second half was more evenly contested, with both goalkeepers making some important saves to keep the score level. Neither side could find a winner in normal time, sending the game to penalties, where Manchester United eventually prevailed.
Daniel Farke has already spoken positively about James Trafford’s debut, while the game provided both teams with a useful test as they put the finishing touches to their preparations for the new Premier League season.
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Manchester United legend left impressed by Leeds United star
John O’Shea has insisted that Leeds were lucky that Manchester United did not make more of the opportunities they created in the first half and score more goals.
However, he stressed that Leeds were better after the break and the presence of Noah Okafor on the pitch made a real impact for the Whites in attack.
He was impressed with the pace, energy and quality the Swiss winger showed on the left and conceded that he didn’t expect to see that in Dublin.
O’Shea said on ITV: “I think James Trafford kept Leeds in the game in the first half. Mbuemo could have had a couple more goals, and Leeds could have been really under pressure.
“United controlled the game. The best thing Leeds did was stay compact, organised and hit Man United on the break. That’s where the equaliser came from.
“Leeds were very good at the start of the second half, and I will tell you the player who really impressed me: it was Noah Okafor when he came on.
“Okafor, with that electric pace down the left wing here, was really impressive. I did not expect that, and then Leeds took control of the game.
“But United came back into it when the more senior players came on, particularly Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans.
“Then it goes to penalties, and even though it is pre-season, you want to just get that win to keep the momentum going. Thankfully, Man United did that tonight.”
Noah Okafor will need to step up again
The Leeds winger loves playing against Manchester United. He scored in Leeds’ win over the Red Devils at Old Trafford in the league last season.
In fact, Okafor came to the fore in the latter half of the season, and his performances towards the end of the campaign played a big part in ensuring survival with games to spare.
The Swiss winger will need to step up again and be more incisive, given he has had a season to adapt his game to the intensity of the Premier League.
Leeds have every reason to expect more from Okafor in the upcoming season as they look to do more than just survive in the top flight.
John O’shea, boring player, boring pundit, boring man.