United head coach Neil Redfearn believes Mirco Antenucci is capable of emulating Ross McCormack’s goalscoring exploits, ahead of the Scottish striker’s return to Elland Road with Fulham on Saturday (3pm).

McCormack, United’s top scorer last season with 29 goals, moved to Craven Cottage over the summer following his most prolific campaign at the club, but Antenucci’s fine form has helped fill the void.

The Italian already has eight goals so far this campaign, including four from his last four, after quickly adapting to life in English football and establishing himself as a key part of the side.

"Ross is an outstanding talent," said Redfearn. "He was a great servant to Leeds United, he had a great season last season.

"But I think Mirco is capable of doing the same thing. He’s a different type of player, he’s a little bit more mobile and he gets in behind people.

"They’re both similar, they’re both technically gifted and if you stick them in front of goal they can finish.

"So we’re mindful of that with Ross on Saturday and it’s something that we’ve got to be switched on to.

"But on the other hand as well, we’ve got to make sure we keep putting Mirco in front of goal. Because if we put him in front of goal enough times he’ll score."

Saturday’s game with Fulham will be McCormack’s first game back at Elland Road since his departure, but Redfearn wants the focus to be on his team and what they are trying to achieve.

"These things happen in football where people make decisions and move on for whatever reason and get on with their careers," he said.

"From Leeds United’s point of view it’s more about what’s happening now and the direction we need to be working in.

"We’re right in the infancy of trying to build something. It’s young, it’s doing okay – it’s getting there.

"It’s going to be two steps forward and one back for a little bit. Until we can get that consistency and that belief into what we’re doing every week, home and away, we’ve got to be patient."