Manager Gary McAllister today moved to strengthen his defence by signing out-of-contract 25-year-old French central defender Mansour Assoumani for an initial period of one month.

The 6ft 2in tall defender, who can also play at right back, had been on a ten-day trial with United and scored with a commanding header for the reserves in their 3-1 win against York City at Elland Road last night.

"He's looked good in training and settled in well and he'll come instantly into the reckoning for our game at MK Dons on Saturday," the United boss said.

Defensive problems have proved costly for United in recent weeks and the need to strengthen in that area of the team has been a priority.

"He's played in France and Germany so he's got some good experience and, as he can play at right back as well as in the middle, he will give us more strength in the back four area," Gary said.

"I watched him last night and I thought he did well. His goal was from a header and he took it well," he added.

Assoumani played for five seasons in French football with Montpellier in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 before moving to Germany where he played first with Sarrebruck and more recently with Sportfreunde Siegen.

He was out of contract in June this year and comes to Elland Road as free agent.