Mellor was recalled due to a lack of playing time at the League Two club, and he made an instant impact with a first-half double at Brighton & Hove Albion.
The English striker’s first goal was a deft first-time finish after a lofted ball from Charlie Wellens down the right-wing. Shola Shoretire had just missed the ball, as did the Brighton defence, allowing Mellor to sweep it past Thomas McGill.
After 25 minutes, he doubled his and United’s tally, scoring from close range after intercepting a back pass from Lars Dendoncker.
“He leads by example and leads by effort and energy and intensity,” Wood said of Mellor.