With the defensive midfielder’s name not mentioned as the Whites were continually linked with bids for the likes of Kyle Lafferty as the need for a new striking option seemed to outweigh the desire for a new centre midfielder.
But Diagouraga excelled on his full Whites debut on Saturday and helped United look a totally refreshed side as he sat alongside Liam Bridcutt and allowed Lewis Cook the freedom to get forward.
Diagouraga may prove not only a good signing in his own right, but also an excellent one in helping further utilise the undoubted talents of the club’s England under-19s star.
“You know why half the Premier League wants him for multi-millions,” said Steve Evans of Cook. “He was sensational.”