Steve Evans says he is expecting a reaction from his side when Middlesbrough visit Elland Road on Monday evening, admitting United have "a point to prove" in front of the television cameras.

Evans’ men are looking to respond to last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest – a loss which brought United’s six-game home unbeaten run to a halt.

League leaders Middlesbrough are next up at Elland Road but arrive in West Yorkshire having won just once in their last six outings, with deadline day signing Jordan Rhodes salvaging a stoppage-time point away to MK Dons earlier in the week.

Evans admits that his side will be regarded as the underdogs on Monday night, but the United head coach has underlined what he requires from his players in order to get a result.

“I hope for a reaction from the team and that’s what I expect,” he said.

“There won’t be many neutrals watching the game on Monday night that are expecting Leeds United to win.

“Middlesbrough have some outstanding footballers, but so do we. We need the passion and the performance and we need to grind teams down, not giving them a minute. That’s got to be the plan.

“People like Downing, Rhodes, Leadbitter and Clayton are special players - they’re top level players, but we have a point to prove.

“We also have a point to prove off the pitch. Let’s get the atmosphere humdinging at Elland Road.

“Middlesbrough are bringing a sell-out support and there’ll be a good Leeds United presence as there always is at Elland Road.

“We want to have one of those everything where we get it right on and off the pitch.”

Speaking about Boro’s big-money moves in the January transfer window, Evans added: “It wasn’t just Jordan (Rhodes) who they spent millions of pounds on in the January transfer window.

“They brought the boy De Laet in, who I watched have an outstanding game against MK Dons on Tuesday night.

“Middlesbrough went to the market, but they went in a position of strength – in the top two in the Championship – and they gave every incentive to the board to spend the money.

“But I’ve always said if I can get Leeds United – a fantastic club – on a roll, with the crowds up at Elland Road, with good principles and getting value for money, I think we’d then give the owner the incentive to look at some real pieces of quality.

“We need to put ourselves in a position to do that.”