HARD WORK PAYING OFF - BYRAM

HARD WORK PAYING OFF - BYRAM

Sam glad to return to winning ways...

Sam Byram believes United’s recent upturn in form comes as a result of hard work after picking up five points from the last three games.

After beating Derby County 2-0 back in November, United went on an unwanted run of eight games without a win in all competitions before picking up the valuable three points against league leaders Bournemouth.

The 1-0 victory at Elland Road, courtesy of Luke Murphy’s first-half strike, came following draws with Bolton and Birmingham as Neil Redfearn’s side addressed their dip in form with some much-improved displays.

Byram said: "I think in the last two games we’ve been really solid and hard to play against.

"I think we had a bit of good fortune with the penalty miss but it was one of those nights where everything went for us.

"Redders says ‘The harder you work, the luckier you get’ and I think the hard work paid off on Tuesday night."

Bournemouth arrived at Elland Road as strong favourites, occupying top spot in the Championship, but 10-man United put in a spirited showing, surviving some heavy second-half pressure and a late Cherries penalty to secure the points.

"The boys have worked incredibly hard and there were a lot of tired legs afterwards in the changing room," said Byram.

"The team spirit is there and it’s a big win for us.

"They’re a very good passing team. We set out to stay compact and try and get it forward to Steve Morison and get runners off him and Rudy in the hole.

"I think they got frustrated. We saw them coming in at half-time arguing with each other so we knew the gameplan was working."

Byram also hailed his team-mate Murphy, after the midfielder netted his second goal in as many games with a superb 36th-minute effort that sailed into the top corner.

"He does that in training a lot, he’s very two-footed so it’s not a huge surprise," said the 21-year-old.

"I’m delighted for him coming back into the team and doing well.

"He’s been performing every day in training. He doesn’t moan or get his head down that he’s been out of it for the past couple of months.

"He’s come back and made a real impact."

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