Talking Points: Luton 0 United 3

The Reds certainly deserved the victory at Kenilworth Road and dominated proceedings for the majority of the encounter.

Despite that, there was still plenty to take note of just outside the capital, as the Reds progressed to the fourth round of the competition.

Below, we’ve rounded up all the major points of interest from a successful night for United…

VALUABLE GAME-TIME

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had suggested ahead of the game that he would make wholesale changes at Kenilworth Road, and that’s exactly what we saw on the night. In fact, the boss made 10 alterations in total from Saturday’s defeat to Crystal Palace, with only Harry Maguire retaining his place in the XI. After such a disrupted pre-season it was a great opportunity for several United players to get minutes into their legs and build fitness ahead of what is a hectic campaign.

DONNY ON THE SPOT

Our summer signing made his competitive United debut last weekend against Palace, but registered his first start at Kenilworth Road. Donny played in a slightly different role from where he was deployed on Saturday, with the Dutch international taking up a no.10 position against Luton. He put in an impressive showing and, in particular, linked well with Mata, who often drifted inside from the right flank. The pair also combined during the build-up to our penalty in the last few minutes of the first half. 

Only a smart save by James Shea, at his near post, denied him a second goal in successive games.

STARTING WITH A BANG

Dean Henderson made his long-awaited United debut on Tuesday and enjoyed the perfect start, with a clean sheet. That was something which looked very much in doubt for a second in the 80th minute, but, when called upon, the youngster showed his quality. Tom Lockyer was the Luton player who rose highest in the United box and his header looked destined to hit the back of the net until Henderson’s outstretched arm somehow palmed the ball away.

Sensational stuff from the stopper, whose presence and physicality meant he looked right at home between the sticks for the Reds.

JUAN OFF A MILESTONE

Mata casually stroked home the Reds’ spot kick on 44 minutes and enjoyed a superb night in the Carabao Cup tie. Well, that penalty means the midfielder is just one goal away from a significant milestone for the Reds: his 50th club goal. To date, only 54 players have netted a half-century for United, and when Mata grabs his next goal he’ll be the first Spaniard to join the prestigious list.

This was his 200th start for the Reds since signing from Chelsea.

INTO THE FOURTH ROUND

With victory secured over Luton, attention turns to our opponents in the next round - that will be either Preston North End or Brighton & Hove Albion. The two sides meet on Wednesday at 19:00 BST and we know we’ll face the winner away from home next week. Of course, we take on the latter this Saturday in the Premier League at the Amex Stadium, and we last locked horns with the Lilywhites in 2015, when United won 3-1 in the FA Cup fifth round.

Get ready for next season. Our 2020/21 home and away kits are available now from United Direct.