Manchester United are through to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup after beating Brighton 3-0 on Wednesday evening.Scott McTominay, Juan Mata and Paul Pogba scored the goals in a convincing victory for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.“It is never easy coming away against a Premier League team and they put a strong team out as well, and gave us a good game," Solskjaer said afterwards, per United's website."I think the first 20 to 25 minutes was two teams needing a bit of confidence to get into the game."The rhythm wasn't really there and it probably looked like a 0-0 draw and a penalty shootout. But then we had some good play."
Mata was the man of the match. The Spaniard was outstanding, providing an assist to go with his goal and being at the heart of United's most threatening moves.Mata is 32 now and there has been talk about his potential departure from Old Trafford.But based on this evidence, he still has plenty more to give.
His goal came in the 73rd minute of the match when he finished off a lovely Man United move.
Mata was a key part of the move even before his finish, helping transition the ball from right to left before getting into an advanced position.
And Donny van de Beek's flick into his path was superb.
A video of the full build-up to the goal has emerged and it shows that 'Oleball' is well and truly alive.
Superb stuff. According to a Man United fan on Twitter, there were 21 passes in the complete build-up.
It makes you wonder how good United could be if Solskjaer was backed in the transfer window.
It's been a frustrating window for the club, who have only seen Donny van de Beek arrive.
Surely there's enough evidence to believe that Solskjaer can deliver on United's targets if more additions arrive?
The Norwegian was full of praise for Mata at full-time.
"A great performance by Juan Mata. He was the one who got on the ball and calmed us down," Solskjaer told Sky Sports, per BBC Sport.
"He was composed. He more or less creates the first goal himself. I am never surprised when he plays like this.
"He has been around the block and knows football."