Neil Redfearn says United are "playing for the badge" following another spirited display in Saturday’s 1-0 victory away to Wigan.

Alex Mowatt’s spectacular 51st-minute strike secured the points on a difficult DW Stadium pitch as United made it back-to-back Championship wins and climbed up to 13th in the table.

Redfearn’s side are now 16 points clear of the bottom three having won seven of their last 10 league outings, with five of those victories also involving clean-sheets.

"They’re playing for the badge - you can see that - and they’re playing for one another," said the head coach.

"There’s a real good spirit about us. They’re finding their feet now.

"On a poor surface against a side who were desperate for the points, I thought it was an outstanding performance.

"It wasn’t a great game of football to watch, but there was a determination and a desire to get there.

"That’s been clear in performances recently."

Redfearn has had to tinker with his team in recent weeks due injuries and suspensions – notably captain Liam Cooper and winger Sam Byram missed the win at Wigan through injury – but the head coach is focused on keeping the fine form going by any means necessary.

"It’s really important because we’re on a roll at the moment," he said. "The lads are playing really well and we’re winning.

"It’s always a good position to be in but it’s a long season.

"We’ve had one or two injuries and one or two players suffering now injury-wise but we’re coming through it strong.

"They’re all pulling for one another and that was really apparent for me on Saturday.

"Even the subs coming on for 10 minutes really went for the cause, closing and chasing down.

"It was exactly what was needed – a great away performance."

United now have a full week to prepare for Nottingham Forest’s visit to Elland Road on Saturday, a game in which three points could see Redfearn’s side move into the top half of the table.

"The lads are looking forward to every game that’s coming along now," he said.

"It’s been a tough season because the majority of it has been in adversity, trying to get away from the drop-zone.

"We’ve been trying to put a run together. It’s a tough division to get out of if you’re in a difficult situation, but we’ve shown some real resolve and have played some good football as well.

"We look much more like a Championship side now."