Goalscorer Mirco Antenucci hailed the “incredible” United fans following the 1-1 opening day draw with Burnley at Elland Road.

Antenucci, last season’s top scorer, stepped off the bench and struck a stunning, curling effort to put Uwe Rosler’s side ahead with just seven minutes remaining on the clock.

But Burnley managed to hit back three minutes later, Sam Vokes towering a header home to equalise and ensure that the spoils were shared after a pulsating encounter.

A crowd of 27,672 made Elland Road a cauldron of noise for the televised lunchtime kick-off and Antenucci, speaking to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, was full of praise for the home support.

“They are very attached to the club,” he said. “I think back to the crowds of Serie B and then 30,000 yesterday at Elland Road - incredible.

“Away, they have 4,000-5,000 following, like a top club in Serie A.”

The striker was utilised as an impact substitute on Saturday – a role he found himself in for the second half of last season, despite leading United’s goalscoring charts.

And Antenucci insists he has never complained as he continues to adapt to life in English football.

“I was the only one at Leeds in double figures but, in January, the coach made other choices and I accepted without controversy.

“The championship is more physical. Work-outs are different: in Italy they are based on tactics, here it’s faster and about hard work.”

Antenucci also spoke of Massimo Cellino’s return to the club, saying: “Last year we saw little of him because he had problems.

“But yesterday he was at the stadium before the game and he encouraged us.”

Following the draw with Burnley, Rosler was full of praise for Antenucci and his attitude despite the Italian finding himself used in an unfavoured position.

The head coach explained: “Mirco was very honest early on. He came to me and said ‘Gaffer, I’m not really a wide player’.

“We tried to find a way to fit him in and in pre-season he came on for 20, 30 or 45 minutes in that scenario.

“The way he is training and the way he conducts himself every day is fantastic.

“I knew when I brought him on that we had a chance of winning the game.”