United striker Mirco Antenucci has spoken of his perfect week after celebrating the birth of his baby girl with a goal in the 3-1 win over Blackpool.

Antenucci, who arrived from Ternana over the summer, became a father the day before adding the third goal against the Seasiders at Elland Road.

The Italian celebrated in style, too, sucking his thumb before mimicking the rocking of a cradle with several of his team-mates.

"For my life it’s the most important thing and I was happy celebrating for my wife and for my child," said Antenucci.

"The team was happy for me and I’m very happy."

Prior to his summer switch, Antenucci had spent his entire career in Italian football, but the 30-year-old feels he has settled into West Yorkshire life well after being keen to test himself in England.

"I’m enjoying it in Leeds," he said. "My stay has gone very well so far - both in the city and with the team.

"It was an experience that I wanted to try in my life – the change in country and football. I’m very happy with my choice."

Antenucci, who now has five goals to his name this season, also hailed the club’s support and says he hopes to reward them with top-flight football.

"The fans are incredible," he said. "In the Championship with 25,000 fans is incredible. It’s their team.

"They’re proud, the fans. I would like us to be in the Premier League because they’re fantastic.

"When we play at Elland Road, it is very emotional and very beautiful."

Antenucci has regularly paired with Souleymane Doukara in attack and the duo now have 11 goals between them since their arrivals over the summer.

"Doukara I knew in Italy," said Antenucci. "We played together at Catania for a few months and I am happy playing with him."