Leeds United Manager Praises Trafford’s Determination in Friendly Against Manchester United
Leeds United coach Daniel Farke has commended James Trafford for his eagerness to participate in Wednesday’s friendly against Manchester United, despite having only participated in one training session with the team leading up to the match.
Trafford, acquired for a club record fee of £40 million, joined Farke’s squad on Tuesday before heading to Dublin for the fixture against United.
In a bold move, the England international was included in the starting lineup and played for 45 minutes before being substituted for Alex Cairns. Trafford’s standout moment came when he parried a dangerous effort from Bryan Mbeumo, which helped him secure the Man of the Match award.
“I was a bit unsure in the beginning, but he was so desperate to play,” Farke said. “We just have two games, so I need the connection. The medical department were really concerned, but I took the responsibility. When a top-class player wants to play football, you don’t stand in the way too much.”
Farke highlighted that this was Trafford’s first performance for Leeds, which he believes will boost the young player’s confidence. “Everyone could also see why we signed him. Although he’s not in full fitness, he looked sharp and quick. He has a good presence on the pitch and is skilled with his feet.”
Farke expressed satisfaction that Trafford emerged from the match uninjured, allowing him to log his first 45 minutes. “We’ll use the next few days to work further with him, and hopefully he can prove what a significant signing he could be when the real competition begins.”
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke says James Trafford “was desperate to play” Wednesday’s friendly against Manchester United despite only completing one session with the Whites beforehand.
Trafford, who cost a club record fee of £40m, only joined up with Farke’s squad on Tuesday before travelling to Dublin to face United.
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Despite this, the England international was in the starting XI and played 45 minutes before being replaced by Alex Cairns.
His first-half performance, most notably tipping Bryan Mbeumo’s sharp effort round the post, was enough to earn him Man of the Match.
“I was a bit unsure in the beginning, but he was so desperate to play,” said Farke. “We just have two games so I need the connection.
“The medical department were really concerned, but I took the responsibility. Once a top class player wants to play football, you don’t stand in the way too much.
“I think [this being] the first time [he’s played for Leeds] was good for his confidence.
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“Everyone could also see why we signed him, and also although he’s not in full fitness, he looked sharp and quick. He has good presence on the pitch and is good with his feet.
“We are all happy to have him.
“It’s also good that he came through the game without an injury and that he has his first 45 minutes under the belt.
“We’ll use the next [few] days to work further with him and then hopefully he can prove when the real stuff starts what a what a big signing for us he could be.”
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