The striker, linked with a move to Ipswich Town last month, produced a 90th-minute header to settle a tight game at the John Smith’s Stadium and then revealed how close he had come to leaving United a fortnight ago.
Sharp – the subject of an unsuccessful loan bid from Town – said Leeds were ready to let him depart after a five-month spell in which the former Sheffield United player has struggled to make a serious impact.
The forward has been largely limited to substitute appearances since the first month of the season but he stepped off the bench on 88 minutes at Huddersfield and earned Leeds another valuable win with his first chance, nodding home a cross from Mirco Antenucci.
Sharp’s dramatic cameo staked his claim for further opportunities as Leeds remained five points clear of the Championship’s relegation places.
The forward said: “Leeds said I could have gone (to Ipswich) but I don’t want to leave. I’m settled here. It’s a great club and I want to score goals for Leeds.
“Ipswich have two good strikers and I wouldn’t have played much so I didn’t want to leave. But I am a professional footballer and I do want to play more.
“I’ve not scored anywhere near as many goals as I’d like to have done. I have not played as much either. But the fans have stuck by me and that one was for them.
“I’ve scored a few goals in my career and I fancy my chances of getting in the right place at the right time. I’m buzzing that I helped win a game.”
Sharp was sent on by head coach Neil Redfearn after injury forced 17-year-old Lewis Cook to leave the pitch. His late winner prompted dramatic celebrations, with Sharp jumping into the 3,700-strong away crowd.
United have now taken eight points from their last four games, edging towards safety after toiling through the first half of the season.