Young midfielder Alex Mowatt has become a regular in Brian McDermott’s side in recent weeks and is enjoying life as a member of the first team squad at Elland Road.

Alex admits to finding it strange that supporters are now asking for autographs but the 18-year-old says that his performances are his main priority.

The midfielder remains level headed and says that if he has a bad game he would rather be told so that he can improve and go in the right direction.

“It’s been different,” admitted the youngster. “Travelling away and things like that as I have never done that before. Also at home games when fans are asking me to sign things, it’s been really different.

“When people have pictures of you to sign, it’s a bit weird really.

“I think the first time that someone asked me for an autograph was at the Chesterfield game in the Cup when I was on the bench for the first time.

"It’s a lot different from reserve team football. I’ve been playing alright lately but we haven’t got the results. When the results get better it will obviously get better for me as well.

“When you are playing and you are not getting the results you always think to yourself was it my fault? If I don’t play well I’d rather someone told me that I haven’t played well. And then if I have a good game they can tell me I’ve played well.”

Alex now has five United appearances to his name with three coming in the Championship and two during the opening rounds of the Capital One Cup.

He was thrown in at the deep end by United manager Brian McDermott as his second appearance came at Newcastle’s St. James’ Park. Alex says that the pressure of first time football doesn’t get to him and that it is an exciting time.

“I train with the first team all the time now,” said Alex. “Before I used to be with the Under-21s as well but I feel a part of it all, when you are training with them and playing games as well.

“On coach journeys I am sat with Rudy and Jason Pearce so I probably speak to them the most out of the squad and they advise me a lot.

“I’m really excited with playing and training with the first team. I really enjoy going to new stadiums and playing so it’s very exciting for me.

“Playing at Newcastle was brilliant, the stadium is massive. And then getting a taste at Elland Road, the atmosphere was unbelievable. Then playing at Millwall was a different experience.

“I don’t feel the pressure. I just try and focus on the game as you don’t want to have your mind on any other stuff. Just need to focus on the game and play.”