Returning defender Andrew Hughes hailed the "special fans" and the collective belief of the team after two late goals saw United come from behind to beat Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Saturday.

Two Luciano Becchio goals secured an important victory in front of over 25,000 at Elland Road, and Hughesy enjoyed his fourth league start of the campaign.

"We deserved the win," he said. 

"In the first half we missed a lot of chances and let in a sloppy goal, but in the second half we livened up and got the result.

"We have a special belief at this cliub which has been installed by this manager. We kept going and the crowd were right behind us. The crowd were fantastic and it was great to get out and play.

"I've played at other clubs, but many players won't be as lucky as me to play at a club like this.

"The fans are special and if you give them something back that's what they ask for, and when you have the quality we have in some of the players we have here with the likes of Becchio, McCormack, Paynter, O'Brien, I think things will get better and better.

"It was important to get a win in front of our fans again, and for me I'm really pleased we got the win."

Hughesy returned in place of the suspended Paul Connolly. Despite being a near ever present last season, switching between right and left-back with an impressive success rate in terms of victories recorded, Hughesy has had to bide his time this term. 

"The manager expained to me what he was doing at the start of the season in terms of bringing full-backs in and I don't have a problem with that," he said.

"I'll work as hard as I can. I thought I was solid and did okay, and the manager brought me off because it was a positive move to try and win the game.

"Paul Connolly has done well, and it's up to me to push him. I was fortunate to play because he was suspended and I'd like to think I took my chance, but he's done well.

"It's up to the manager now and what he decides to do."