Man Utd player ratings as fringe stars shine in comfortable win at Brighton
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Juan Mata scored his 50th goal for Manchester United as they booked their place in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup with a 3-0 win at Brighton.
Following the weekend thriller between the two sides on the same ground, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made 10 changes to his lineup, while Graham Potter made nine changes to the hosts starting XI.
Odion Ighalo had the best early opportunity after 18 minutes, but after rounding Jason Steele he could only hit the side netting from a tight angle.
That opportunity was created by Mata and it was the Spaniard’s free kick on the stroke of halftime that led to United’s opener, his inswinging delivery being met by McTominay who powered home.
Dean Henderson, deputising for the rested David de Gea, made a fine stop just after the hour mark to deny Leandro Trossard; the Belgian, who hit the woodward three times at the weekend, fired from 12 yards, but was denied by the strong left hand of the United ‘keeper.
Mata made the game safe in the 72nd minute, picking up on a flick from Van de Beek, before sliding a low right-foot shot through the legs of Lewis Dunk, and into the bottom corner.
(Image: PA)
And when substitute Paul Pogba’s deflected freekick flew into the net, Brighton’s race was run.
Here are Manchester United player ratings from the Carabao Cup clash:
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Dean Henderson – 7
Another solid outing from the man who wants to usurp David de Gea. Largely unfussy and made one fine stop to deny Trossard at 1-0.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Back in from the cold, the Portuguese fullback produced a reasonable display. Couple of good forward bursts.
Eric Bailly – 7
Really good display from the Ivory Coast international. Showed his athleticism and aerial prowess on a number of occasions.
(Image: PA)
Victor Lindelof – 6
Even on a relatively routine night, the Swede still had some difficulties. Booked.
Brandon William – 6
Decent enough showing from the young full-back, but perhaps cuts inside too often when he could try to hit the byline.
Scott McTominay – 7
Solid showing from the midfielder, who made a number of good interceptions and also set United on their way with a fine header.
(Image: PA)
Fred – 6
Nothing flashy from the Brazilian who kept play ticking over tidily in midfield.
Juan Mata – 8 MOTM
The brightest and most inventive player on the field throughout, the Spaniard created the first and scored the second. Lack of pace is of course a hindrance, but his brain remains as sharp as ever.
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Donny van de Beek – 7
Plenty of nice touches and found spaces between the lines well to link play – notably his little flick to Mata for the second.
Dan James – 5
Another night where he struggled to show his best. Failed to stamp any kind of mark on proceedings.
Odion Ighalo – 5
Missed a good chance but there was little else of note from the Nigerian before his second half substitution.
Subs: Pogba (James, 68′) 6, Rashford (Ighalo, 68′) 6, Lingard (Fred, 81′).
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