United midfielder Alex Mowatt enjoyed a dream birthday weekend after celebrating turning 20 with the winning goal against Millwall.

It was the Academy product’s 20th birthday on Friday and he went on to put in a starring role at Elland Road the following day, firing home a first-half free-kick to secure a 1-0 win over Ian Holloway’s side.

"I turned 20 on Friday and it was good to top it off with a goal," said Mowatt.

"I thought everyone dug in, we did well. We battled early and that’s what type of game it was, but it was good to get the three points.

"I think there’s a togetherness now and everyone is starting to get along better.

"We had a team night out and meal, and I think that got us all together really. Since then we’ve been in good form."

Mowatt took his tally to five for the season with a curling, left-footed free-kick on 39 minutes which took the slightest deflection off Millwall’s defensive wall.

The 20-year-old has been playing on the left of midfield in recent weeks, a position which he admits is not his most natural but one he is more than prepared to apply himself in.

On his free-kick, Mowatt explained: "I just wanted to get it over the wall and towards that side. Luckily it took a deflection and went in.

"In the last couple of weeks I don’t think I’ve been at my best. I’ve been playing in a different position so I’m getting to know that position.

"I’m getting fitter because I missed a few games but I felt that on Saturday I was back to my best.

"I’ll do a job for the team out there and it’s obviously working as we’ve got a few results. I don’t mind playing out there."

The win saw United move into the top half of the Championship, climbing to 12th in the table, and Mowatt has his sights set on continuing the upward trajectory.

"We’re in good form so if we keep winning games, we’ll see where we can get to," he said.