Leeds United handed squad boost for Man Utd as previously unseen pair travel to Dublin

Leeds United face Manchester United at a sold-out, 82,000-capacity Croke Park in Dublin tonight, boosted by James Trafford and Noah Okafor travelling after being previously unseen in pre-season.

Dublin Airport’s official account posted images of the squad disembarking. Trafford is visible between Lukas Nmecha and what appears to be Brenden Aaronson, with Okafor in the foreground wearing a beanie in 27-degree sunshine.

Daniel Farke’s side have won their last three pre-season games against top-flight opposition, most recently beating RB Leipzig 2-0 last weekend.

Trafford, 23, became the club’s record signing after a £40million move from Manchester City, linking up with team-mates on Tuesday. He was a Leeds player before the Leipzig win but did not feature. With 10 days until the 2026/27 season, there had been hope of an unofficial debut tonight.

Okafor has not featured in pre-season yet after an extended break following his World Cup exploits with Switzerland.

He scored a first-half brace in April to seal a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford, a first league win over United since 1981 that sparked an iconic chant.

Both players will hope to be involved at Croke Park this evening. Farke has two more pre-season fixtures before Leeds visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday 22 August.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk

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