Two defeats from their opening two games, two red cards, some chaotic defending and off-field protests against chairman Ken Bates meant United came into the Hull clash under more scrutiny than they would have liked.
But an early goal from Ross McCormack settled the nerves and, although Tom Lees put through his own net to bring City level, goals from Lees - at the right end - Robert Snodgrass and Ramon Nunez helped to lift some of the tension around Elland Road.
“I’m delighted after losing our first two,” the Whites manager, in his 300th game as a boss, said. “We knew it would be difficult after Hull had a good result at the weekend (winning at Ipswich), but we were good with and without the ball and made a really good Hull team look ordinary at times.
“The players were excellent from start to finish. It’s great for the players. They showed tremendous spirit, great attitude, belief and confidence.
“The results we have had could have had a negative effect. We were down to the bare bones tonight, with no strikers, (Jonny) Howson and (Max) Gradel suspended and (Leigh) Bromby and (Ben) Parker injured,
“So it’s a massive result. It’s embarrassing when you see your team in the bottom three, but I had immense belief and confidence in the players to get results.”
Nigel Pearson demanded a quick response from his Hull players after seeing his side mauled at the hands of Leeds.
“The fashion of the defeat makes it difficult,” said a dejected Pearson.