United head coach Neil Redfearn hailed his side’s "excellent" display after Mirco Antenucci’s double secured a 2-0 win over league leaders Derby County.

Antenucci netted either side of half-time at Elland Road as United responded perfectly to the previous weekend’s defeat away to Blackburn.

Derby came into the game sitting three points clear at the top of the Championship and having won their last three, but Redfearn’s men proved to be too strong in front of over 26,000 fans.

"I thought we were excellent today," he said. "I think they’re a top side – you can see that.

"I thought they passed the ball well and they caused problems. But I thought we stuck in.

"I thought it was a great game, I have to say. It was two sides trying to play football but the finishing was out of the top drawer.

"We’ve got to put people under pressure and get the crowd behind us because it’s an intimidating place when it’s like that.

"We talked about it through the week, we talked about it before the game today and I thought the performance mirrored that."

Antenucci took his tally to seven goals for the season with two composed finishes beyond Lee Grant, and Redfearn was full of praise for the Italian striker.

"He’s got that touch and that awareness in and around the box," said the head coach.

"He’s got quick feet, he works a yard and gets shots off.

"We got in some good positions and when we did get to the dead-ball line, we picked out some quality passes and opened them up.

"I thought the two finishes were out of the top drawer."

Redfearn also hailed the contribution of left-back Stephen Warnock, who put in another solid display and pulled off a number of crucial blocks and challenges as Derby looked for a way back into the game.

"I think Stephen’s having a great season," said Redfearn. "He’s a vastly experienced pro, he’s a good pro.

"He understands the game and he’s a leader."