New loan signing Sol Bamba recalls the "great" United fans from his days as an opposition player for Leicester City, and says Ivory Coast team-mate Max Gradel spoke highly of the club prior to his move.

Bamba, who has joined from Palermo for the remainder of the season, played twice against United during his time at Leicester, including the final game of the 2011/12 campaign at Elland Road.

That day proved to be the defender's last appearance in a Foxes shirt as he helped the visitors grab a stoppage-time 2-1 win in front of a 25,664 strong crowd.

"I remember the fans," said Bamba. "The fans have always been great when I’ve played against Leeds.

"I played my last game for Leicester at Elland Road in midfield. I didn’t like to play in midfield but it was a good experience."

Bamba becomes only the second Ivorian to join United, following in the footsteps of international team-mate Gradel who was a big fans' favourite during his time at Elland Road.

And Bamba revealed that Gradel had been in touch shortly before completing his move to speak glowingly about the club and its supporters.

"He text me two days ago and said he’d heard about my move and he was happy," said Bamba.

"He said I will love it here. He said the fans will be good with me if I do the business.

"He told me all the good things about the club and that gives me even more positive things about the club.

"He said only good things. I’m happy to be here and I cannot wait to get started."

Bamba's United debut could come in Saturday's Yorkshire derby at Huddersfield, a fixture which the defender is eager to be involved in and knows the importance of.

"Hopefully, depending on the manager’s decision. It’s a Yorkshire derby and a big game," he said.

"Everyone wants to play in big games so if the manager wants me, I’ll be ready.

"I think I still need some match fitness but I’m not far off. If the manager wanted me to play the whole 90 minutes I believe I would be okay."