Luton Town 0-3 Manchester United: 3 Key Talking Points

Manchester United did not face any issues soaring through their Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town, winning 3-0.

The scoreline remained 1-0 for much of the game with Juan Mata’s first-half penalty being the sole difference between the two teams. However, a late flurry of changes brought on the requisite effect with Marcus Rashford netting a goal in the 88^th minute while Mason Greenwood found the back of the net four minutes later to cement it all.

 

1. Worries Still Remain

While the game was largely a positive one and the progression into the next round will be welcomed, United didn’t exactly have the best of outings. Despite the fact that this was effectively Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s second-best team, the standard expected of a Red Devils outfit simply wasn’t there.

For much of the first-half, in particular, the team struggled to create chances and even the best of passes were worrisome.

 

2. Positive Firsts

Dean Henderson’s debut was an excellent affair with the academy graduate goalkeeper even making two picturesque saves to stamp his point across. David de Gea will certainly be wary of making errors now given the standby quality of the 23-year-old.

Likewise, Donny van de Beek’s first start was also a good one. The short passes and first-touches of the Dutchman were brilliant but more often than not no one in United’s outfield seemed to be consistently making the best out of them. Extend that to the first team and some incredible sights may be in store.

 

3. Substitute Difference

Manchester United’s penchant for late goals and Solskjær’s specialty of making an impact from the bench was in evidence on the night. The Norwegian waited until the 78^th minute to make his changes, bringing on all three substitutes at once.

The dynamics completely transformed then on, with a new attacking spirit being added to the fixture. All three players played a crucial role with Mason Greenwood first assisting Marcus Rashford’s goal and then going on to net his own winner, which was scripted by Bruno Fernandes.

Positive start to their respective tallies of impact.