Neil Redfearn was full of praise for in-form midfield duo Lewis Cook and Luke Murphy following Tuesday night’s Elland Road victory over Bournemouth.

Murphy made it two goals in as many games as he struck the winner against the league leaders with a sweet first-half effort, while Cook collected the Man of the Match champagne for the second week running after another eye-catching display.

Cook, who broke into the first team at the start of the season, made the most passes of any United player on the night (44) and was influential throughout as he helped secure three points for the first time since November.

"He was the best player on the pitch by a mile," said Redfearn.

"You forget he’s 17-years-old, but what an immense talent. He’s got this presence, power and drive about him, and he can play.

"You can play him in one or two positions in midfield but his best position is in midfield where he can go and dictate the play. I thought he did that on Tuesday night.

"For somebody that young to play that well and have that maturity about them is unheard of.

"He’s a Leeds boy through and through. He’s been through the system and he loves playing for the club.

"We’ve got to steady ourselves a bit and remember we’ve got Taylor, Cook, Byram, Mowatt all in there.

"If we can keep these boys together at this football club, and add better players to it, then we can kick on."

Redfearn also underlined Murphy’s importance after re-establishing himself in the team following a large period out of the first-team frame.

"I thought he was excellent, Luke, and I think he’s been playing well since he was brought back into the side," said the head coach.

"We had the conversation about six weeks to a month ago about trying to get Luke in a better place.

"I thought, unjustly, last year he came in for a lot of criticism but the boy shows a lot of bravery. He doesn’t hide, he gets on the ball and plays.

"I think the fans are warming to him now and they’re seeing what a good player he is. He’s one of the main players for us at this moment in time.

"It was a great strike and that’s two in two games. He’s capable of that. He got double figures for Crewe in the year they got promoted.

"He’s come through it all, he’s got this strength of character and he’s a top player. He’s only a young guy."