Midfielder Toumani Diagouraga is excited about what lies ahead at his new club after finalising his switch to United from Brentford on Monday.

The highly-rated 28-year-old has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at Elland Road and goes straight into Steve Evans’ matchday squad for Tuesday's trip to face his former club at Griffin Park.

United beat off strong competition to secure his signature for an undisclosed fee, and Diagouraga now eager to get started at a club where he believes a bright future awaits.

“I think the club are putting a project in place,” he said. “They’ve told me about that project and it sounds interesting – that’s why I wanted to join.

“The club belongs in the top-flight and we’re hoping to make that happen.

“It’s a massive club with a massive fan base. It’s a club that belongs in the Premier League and one that should really be fighting for promotion.

“I’ve played here against Leeds a few times. Every time you come you see the stadium and the supporters and you know it’s a massive club.

“I’m sure most players would love to play in a stadium like this. It brings big expectations, but if you can’t handle that, then you shouldn’t be here."

The midfielder admitted that his move was finalised swiftly over the weekend and says he has already spoken to members of the squad to gain their insight into the club.

“It came about very fast,” he said. “Once I was aware Leeds were interested and a bid had been accepted, I came straight up here and made it happen.

“It was a difficult decision to leave Brentford but I felt the time was right for me to take on a new challenge.

“I already know Stuart Dallas here and I know Tom Adeyemi. I also spoke to Sol Bamba as we’re both French.

“I know a couple of the players already here, so I hope to settle in quickly. There’s a very good team here.

“We just want to win as many games as possible and see where that takes us. That’s all we can do.”

Asked about his style of play, Diagouraga added: “I’m a sitting midfielder. I would like to think that I’m good on the ball and someone who can do the dirty work.

“I’m fit, I’m ready to go and we’ll have to see what happens in the coming days.”