Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has saluted his players after they defeated Motherwell 2-1 at Fir Park.

The victory takes the Tannadice side off the bottom after Ross County's loss to Aberdeen.

And the Irishman was keen to praise his team after picking up back-to-back wins in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since January 2.

He said: "I am really pleased as I thought we played well today. We were better in possession of the ball today than we have been in the previous five games since I came in.

"Psychologically, that result will have a really positive impact on the group. I think the pleasing thing for me now is that it is in our own hands."

United originally fell behind to a strike from Kevin van Veen before they regrouped at the break and put on an excellent showing in the second half.

First, a neat finish from midfielder Ilmari Niskanen levelled up proceedings 63 minutes in.

Just six minutes later United captain Steven Fletcher won a penalty after being fouled by Well keeper Liam Kelly.

READ MORE: Motherwell 1 Dundee United 2: Visitors move off the bottom after win

Jamie McGrath stepped up to convert from the spot and take home the three points.

Goodwin was delighted to see his men finally get rewards following the hard work they have been putting in since he joined the club.

"I have to say with the group, since I arrived, they have not been moping about the place feeling sorry for themselves," he continued.

"I haven’t had to come in and lift them too much. I have tried to come in and put my own stamp on things, put demands on the players and I would be surprised if there is a team out there in the league working harder than us at the moment.

"I still think we can improve in every department whether that is fitness, possession, defending, attacking.

"The boys have really bought into what I have asked them to do and as a manager, I think that is all you can ask for."