Former United assistant manager Gus Poyet is backing new loan signing Connor Wickham to play his part in firing the club towards a Play-Off challenge.

Poyet, who was at Elland Road between 2006 and 2007, is Connor’s manager at Sunderland and he is hoping the loan spell benefits both clubs.

Connor scored eight goals in 11 games while on loan at Sheffield Wednesday earlier this season, and Poyet is hoping he will enjoy similar success at Elland Road.

“Connor really, really enjoyed his time at Sheffield Wednesday and wanted to be playing regularly,” said Poyet

“It was difficult for us to promise that to him and there was no shortage of clubs that wanted to take him – maybe five or six.

“So, after analysing the whole situation and agreeing with the player – which is important, because he has to be happy with the arrangement – he has gone out to Leeds for the rest of the season.

“I hope that he can help them do well because they still have a chance of the play-offs – and for Connor, and for us, that we get back a better player next season.

“We also have everybody fit and that means Connor’s not assured of being in the squad week in, week out. So to say no to a club like Leeds would not have been fair on him.

“He is a player who still needs to learn and will only benefit by playing games regularly.”