United’s young midfielder Alex Mowatt is looking to improve after completing his first season with the first team at Elland Road.

Alex missed the final game of the season through injury but the midfielder made 30 appearances, scoring one goal, in his debut campaign.

The youngster won the club’s young player of the year award and was in the running for the main award but he still wants to progress next term.

“I want to progress, I want to have a better season than last year,” said Mowatt. “It was a good season for me as it was my first but I want to progress on that and do better.

“We want to get in the Play-Offs or the automatic positions. You have to aim the best you can, whether it happens or not is to be seen but you want to get there.

“I’ve had time to look back on last season and I’m hoping to do better and progress next season.

“In regards to the team it was disappointing. We wanted more and we wanted to get into the Play-Offs.

“Pre-season isn’t far away now. We’ll go on tour to get our fitness in and we’ll hope to start the season well.”

Alex, an Academy graduate himself, is high in praise of the club’s youth ranks and says there are plenty of players waiting for an opportunity.

One player Alex picked out was Lewis Cook, who was recently part of the England Under-17s side that concurred Europe’s best at the Under-17 European Championships in Malta.

“There are plenty of players in the Academy,” added Alex. “When they get the chance they will need to take it. Sam (Byram) has done that and I did that last season. There are a few others as well.

“Lewis Cook is a good player. I watched him when he was away with England and he did well. If he keeps progressing he will get there.”