NafisaLeeds United may have ultimately lost to Manchester United on penalties in Dublin, but one of the biggest talking points from the pre-season meeting came from a player who only entered the game after the interval.
Daniel Farke’s side were forced to weather a difficult opening spell before gradually growing into the contest, and there were certainly concerns when Manchester United began creating chances at will.
James Trafford was particularly important during that period.
The new Leeds goalkeeper produced several impressive saves to prevent the deficit from becoming more damaging, while United ultimately had to settle for a single goal through Joshua Zirkzee.
Leeds responded before half-time when Brenden Aaronson restored parity, setting up a much more competitive second half.
And that was when one Leeds attacker suddenly changed the complexion of the game.
Manchester United legend singles out Leeds star:
Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea was impressed by the way Leeds responded after the interval.
The Whites looked far more confident in possession, began pushing Manchester United backwards and created more problems in the final third.
But according to O’Shea, one player in particular caught his attention.
And it was not a name he expected to be discussing before the match.
The former United star singled out Noah Okafor, who came on and immediately injected pace and energy into the Leeds attack.
O’Shea told 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.”
That was where the praise really began.
O’Shea admits Okafor surprised him
O’Shea clearly did not expect Okafor to have such an influence on proceedings.
The Swiss winger immediately gave Leeds something different on the left, using his pace to stretch the Manchester United defence and forcing the opposition to deal with a much more direct threat.
“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.”
It is a significant endorsement considering the source.
Manchester United had controlled much of the first half, with Trafford arguably keeping Leeds in the contest.
But after the break, the balance shifted.
Leeds looked more dangerous and Okafor was at the centre of that improvement.
United eventually regained control after bringing more experienced players into the game, with O’Shea specifically pointing towards Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans.
The match ultimately went to penalties, where Manchester United held their nerve to secure the victory.
For Leeds, however, the performance offered another reminder that Okafor could be an important player for Farke this season.
Noah Okafor has already proved he can hurt Man Utd:
There is an interesting bit of history between Okafor and Manchester United.
The Swiss international was involved when Leeds secured their memorable league victory at Old Trafford last season, scoring against the Red Devils as Farke’s side ended a 45-year wait for a league win at the stadium.
His impact also grew considerably during the latter stages of the campaign.
After needing time to adapt, Okafor became increasingly influential as Leeds battled their way towards Premier League survival.
His pace, ability to carry the ball and willingness to attack defenders gave Leeds another dimension going forward.
Now, though, the expectations are different.
Last season was about adapting and surviving.
This time, Leeds need their attacking players to take another step forward.
Leeds need more from Okafor this season
There is little doubt that Okafor possesses the raw qualities required to trouble Premier League defenders.
But flashes of brilliance will not be enough if Leeds are serious about progressing.
Farke will need more consistent end product from the winger, particularly with the Whites looking to avoid being dragged into another relegation battle.
The Dublin performance was encouraging because Okafor did not simply make an impact through one moment.
His pace changed the way Manchester United had to defend.
That is exactly what Leeds will want to see more regularly.
The club have already invested heavily in strengthening the squad this summer, and expectations around Elland Road are naturally beginning to rise.
Survival remains important, but Leeds have shown enough to suggest they can aim higher.
For that to happen, players like Okafor need to become genuine difference-makers.
And if the Manchester United legend’s assessment is anything to go by, Leeds may have a dangerous weapon on the left who is ready to step up.
The frustrating part for Farke is that Okafor has already shown what he can do against United.
Now he needs to produce it week after week.
Nafisa
