Sol Bamba admits there is "still hard work to be done" following United’s pre-season opening draw at Harrogate, but the defender insists the result was "not the most important thing" on Friday night.

Bamba, sporting the white of Leeds for the first time since making his move permanent earlier this summer, was a half-time substitute as Uwe Rosler fielded two different sides at the CNG Stadium.

And, with United trailing 1-0 at the break, Bamba played his part in the equalising goal on 49 minutes, starting the move which was finished off by a close-range header from Steve Morison.

Asked how he felt after completing 45 minutes of the first game back, Bamba replied: "Fine, to be honest. I expected to feel worse but it’s good.

"It’s never easy – we saw that with the result. But that’s not the most important thing.

"The most important thing is to get ready and to get the fitness back. We know it’s not easy but it’s got to be done, so we’re happy.

"I think we just wanted to take everything the manager asked for – the way he wants us to play.

"It was his first game and we’ve worked on that in training to put to practice in the game.

"He wants to play at a high tempo, pressing and passing the ball forward quickly. He’s been pleased but there’s obviously still hard work to be done."

On the positives which United could take from the Harrogate draw, Bamba added: "First of all, there are no injuries and this is good – we don’t want any injuries.

"It’s about getting everyone to match fitness – the result is not important.

"The manager has only been here a couple of weeks and the things he asks for can’t be seen straightaway on the pitch, but we’re getting there.

"The first half was a 3-5-2 and the second half was a 4-3-3, so we need to get used to that as well and that’s what we practiced today."

Fellow summer signings Chris Wood and Lee Erwin caught the eye during the first half, with the pair combining on several occasions to create some of United’s best openings.

"We know they’re good players and we expect them to bring us something new – that’s why they’re here," said Bamba. "They have to play to the best they can.

"Even in matches like that (against Harrogate) you have to show that you deserve a place in the team.

"The dressing room is great but we know we’re professionals and everybody wants to play.

"That starts from the first day and it’s up to everyone to step up and show the manager what they can do.

"The results will start to come and it’s always good to win games – it’s good for the confidence.

"I think the game at York will be another step forward for how the manager wants to play and I think that’s the most important thing."

Meanwhile, Bamba has been heavily linked with the captaincy since signing his permanent deal last month and head coach Rosler has been quick to praise his undoubted leadership qualities.

Although the defender insists he will not go out of his way to ask for the armband, he says being named club captain for the new season would be “an honour and a privilege”.

"I’m not going to say that I want it, but if I get it I’ll be happy and it would be a huge thing for me to be a captain of this big club," he said.

"It would be an honour and a privilege but I’m not asking for it.

"If the gaffer thinks I deserve it then I will take it with pleasure. But if someone else gets it I will just carry on doing my job.

"It would be an honour and a pleasure but it’s not what I’m after. I just want to enjoy playing for this club, doing the best for the fans and the manager."