Trafford 'desperate to play' against Man Utd - Farke

[Getty Images] 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. 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. "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."