Brave Hatters push Manchester United close but class of Rashford and Greenwood prevails

Luton Town's Carabao Cup adventure is over for another season, but they put up a real fight before exiting at the hands of five-time winners Manchester United this evening.

The hosts more than matched their illustrious opponents for long periods of the contest, and had Tom Lockyer's double effort gone in with time running out, they might have forced a nerve-jangling penalty shoot-out.

But the introduction of United's big guns Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood late on was to ultimately prove the difference, the trio's arrival leading to two goals as they put the tie to bed.

Hatters boss Nathan Jones can be mightily proud of his side's efforts on the night though, especially the manner in which they restricted their Premier League opponents at times, plus the poise they showed when winning possession back themselves.

As he had done against Reading in the previous round, the Luton chief made nine changes, giving right back Peter Kioso his full debut, some elevation for the youngster, who was playing in the National League for Hartlepool this time last season.

In also came Danny Hylton, Kazenga LuaLua and Tom Lockyer, with once again, only captain Sonny Bradley and Rhys Norrington-Davies keeping their places from the 2-1 win over Derby County on Saturday.

Visitors chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer went strong, eager to chalk up a first win following their 3-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace over the weekend.

The Red Devils had £35m summer signing Donny van de Beek from Ajax in their starting 11, England internationals Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard, plus experienced duo Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic.

The pattern of the game appeared to have been set early, United as expected dominating the ball, with Town forced to feed on mere scraps.

An early warning from United saw Lingard burst through the centre of the pitch and find Mata, whose low shot was claimed by Shea.

Town did look they could get some joy on the flanks though, LuaLua and Kioso both having decent crosses cut out by some last-ditch defending.

Maguire went for the spectacular, slicing wide, but Town had their moments, LuaLua's cross requiring clearing once more.

Shea then came to the rescue on 14 minutes, van de Beek dummying a cross from the left and Mata's shot forcing the keeper into an excellent save, parrying away.

Back came Luton though, Ryan Tunnicliffe, who looked hellbent on winning his place back in the Championship XI, driving forward from midfield against the side he began his career with, and finding Hylton, but the striker on his weaker left foot, couldn't locate the target.

Brazilian Fred had a pop from range, his drive taking a nick and leaving a stationary Shea thankful it flew wide of his post.

On 20 minutes though, the Hatters began to settle, growing into confidence and proceedings, having some concerted possession and starting to move United around themselves.

LuaLua won a corner from which the ball rebounded out to the edge of the box where Kioso's eyes lit up, seeing the morning headlines, but his shooting betrayed him, high and wide.

United were making the odd error now, one ball out of defence intercepted by Jordan Clark, who set off with one thing in his mind, springing forward and unleashing a shot which hit a defender and didn't miss by much.

Town's match-winning duo from the weekend almost combined for a third goal in three games on 34 minutes, Norrington-Davies whipping over a magnificent cross from the left, but Clark unable to get enough on his header on target this time.

United had what was an undeserved just two minutes prior to the break, George Moncur dangling a leg for Brandon Williams to go over inside the area for a penalty that Mata had no problem in hammering past Shea into the bottom corner.

Luton didn't let the goal affect them after the break, remaining on the front foot, as Lingard's ambitious 25-yarder whistled harmlessly into the stands.

The hosts had to scramble back though when Odion Ighalo went charging forward, Bradley, who was excellent once more, bravely blocking and then Tunnicliffe back to prevent Lingard's follow up from crossing the line.

Matic was much closer, Shea neatly moving to his left to palm away a daisy-cytter that was flying into the bottom corner, before Town had a decent opening of their own, Andrew Shinnie not quite committing to a volley on the edge of the box, drifting wide.

United's most creative spark Lingard lifted over from the edge of the box, before van de Beek was denied a first Red Devils goal by the legs of Shea.

Jones throw on Elliot Lee and Harry Cornick for the final 15 minutes, but opposite number Solskjaer flexed his muscles, Rashford, Greenwood and Fernandes all mobilised.

Despite the weighty additions, it was Luton who almost levelled, Shinnie's free kick met by the impressive Lockyer, his downward header saved by Dean Henderson, the centre half's follow up kicked away.

Fernandes then had a pop, Shea showing strong hands to bat it behind at his near post, before the subs showed their undoubted class with three minutes to go.

A magnificent one touch move through the centre of Town's defence involving a host of United players saw Luton's back-line bisected and it was left for Rashford to apply the finishing touch, which he did with a real touch of genuine class.

Late on, United started to up their pressure, Grennwood's low attempt collected by Shea, Lingard curling over and Rashford side-footing straight at Shea.

They did then add a slightly flattering feel to the final scoreline in the last minute, Greenwood venturing into the box and after throwing a few step-overs, coolly side-footed beyond Shea and into the bottom corner.

Hatters: James Shea, Peter Kioso, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Sonny Bradley ©, Tom Lockyer, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Andrew Shinnie, George Moncur (Elliot Lee 76), Jordan Clark (Harry Cornick 76), Kazenga LuaLua, Danny Hylton.

Subs not used: Simon Sluga, Martin Cranie, Matty Pearson, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, James Collins.

Red Devils: Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly, Harry Maguire (C). Juan Mata (Bruno Fernandes 78), Jesse Lingard, Fred, Odion Ighalo (Mason Greenwood 78) , Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Nemanja Matic, Brandon Williams, Donny van de Beek (Marcus Rashford 79).

Subs not used: Lee Grant, Diogo Dalot, Daniel James. Teden Mengi.

Booked: Williams 57, Kioso 68, Hylton 85.

Referee: Tim Robinson.