Marco Silvestri was thrilled at collecting the Man of the Match award against Middlesbrough, but the United goalkeeper was also quick to praise the defence in front of him.

Silvestri kept Boro at bay on numerous occasions with a string of stunning saves as Alex Mowatt’s first-half strike proved to be the difference at the Riverside.

The shot-stopper was rightly pleased with his personal performance, but remained keen to share the post-match plaudits with the back four.

"I was happy with my game," said the 23-year-old. "I kept a clean sheet, which was very good.

"It was not only me – the defenders were very good and they saved three or four goals.

"It was very difficult but I’m happy, we’re all happy.

"After two or three saves I thought, ‘Okay, today I can stop them scoring!’.

"But, again, the defenders were very good and the team were very good – we played well.

"It was a big win against the top of the league. It was a very good three points.

"We have taken six points off Middlesbrough now and it’s important – we are very happy."

Silvestri also hailed the impact of Sol Bamba, who thwarted Boro with a number of crucial blocks as he captained the side to a third straight Championship victory.

"He’s a good defender," said Silvestri. "Coops is also very good, Bellusci played very good, Wootton too, and Taylor.

"Bamba is a very good defender. We speak a lot. He understands Italian and English so it’s perfect.

"We need to work like this again and continue our results. We are now far off a low position.

"We need to continue this because the Championship is very long, it’s hard.

"This is important for us for next year because this year is a work in progress. We have a lot of new players and it’s normal for the first year not to be easy.

"But next year I think we think we can have a good season."