Solskjaer impressed by Luton's efforts during Red Devils' Carabao Cup win

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer was left impressed by the manner of Luton Town's performance in their 3-0 Carabao Cup third round win at Kenilworth Road this evening.

The Red Devils led through Juan Mata's penalty on the stroke of half time, but needed late goals by substitutes Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood to seal their progress to the next stage.

Solksjaer was indebted to a fine save from debutant Dean Henderson from defender Tom Lockyer in the closing stages when the score was 1-0, as had that gone in, it could have been a different story.

Speaking afterwards, the United manager said: "You know it’s always going to be difficult towards the last 20 minutes if it’s only one goal in it and Dean made a save to keep us away from a penalty shoot-out.

"They were compact, difficult to play against and they had a few counter attacks which could have become better chances.

"They made us defend, Eric (Bailly) had nice block, we had to be stretched and we needed it.

“You can see we need much time, these players need much time for sharpness.

"Levels in English football are getting better as that’s their cup team as well, not their league team.

"The standards are high in the Championship and they've done well, they made us work hard to go through.

"But there's some positives as well, Dean in goal, a good save, you can see that’s having to concentrate on a different job to what he had to do last season (at Sheffield United).

"He came up with the save when he had to and of course, I like the last couple of goals when the ball goes quickly forward and we drive at them, nice finishes as well."