He slotted straight into the heart of the midfield and would have extended United's lead if his shot had managed to stay down a few more inches instead of flying just over the bar.
Speaking to Leeds' official website, McPhail said: "It was great to get a call, I didn't realise I was playing until the morning when Batts had twisted his ankle and Eddie said 'you're in.'
"It was a bit of a shock but I was ready for it. Just to get a game and a chance to impress people was all I was trying to do.
"But I enjoyed my time down there with Forest, it's a great club. They treated me well and I enjoyed every game I played in, but coming back here was good too.
"As soon as I came back last Thursday I spoke to Eddie and he said 'you have got a chance as good as anybody to get into my team now, so just work hard.' That's what I've done for the last week and I've enjoyed it.
"Eddie's got some belief back into us and we have to just bring that onto the pitch and show some more of it."