Brighton 0-3 Manchester United: 5 Talking Points as Red Devils cruise into quarter-finals | EFL Cup 2020-21

#3 Brighton vulnerable from set-pieces again

The Seagulls fell behind to a setpiece that was poorly defended.

Amidst the drama that accompanied Manchester United’s late win at the Amex last weekend, it’s easy to forget that two of the visitors' goals on the night came from set-pieces. Bruno Fernandes’ probing free-kick brought about the equaliser while the decisive penalty was also awarded for a handball following a United corner delivered into the box.

Unfortunately for the Seagulls, their defenders did not seem to have learned their lessons from that game as they once again conceded from a set-piece in this game. While Juan Mata’s delivery into the box was quite inviting, Scott McTominay’s path to goal was entirely unobstructed, something that Potter and his men would hope to address going forward.

#4 Positive showings from Manchester United’s new boys

Another game, another clean sheet for Manchester United's young goalkeeper

Manchester United have been conspicuous in their relative inactivity in the transfer market this season, something that has not been received too well by their fans. However, they have made a couple of additions to their squad, recalling Dean Henderson from his loan spell at Sheffield United and signing Donny van de Beek from Ajax.

Both of Manchester United’s new additions not only started this fixture but also made telling contributions in the game. Henderson was rarely troubled in goal but delivered when called upon. One fantastic reflex save from Trossard when the score was still 1-0 particularly stood out as the Belgian’s effort seemed to be arrowing into the bottom corner.

The challenges of being Manchester United’s number one might be different from that at Sheffield United, but the young Englishman seems to be up for it during his short spell in the net for the Red Devils.

We need to talk about that @Donny_Beek6 assist 🥵#MUFC #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/kE8Q4JBe84

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 30, 2020

Henderson's Dutch teammate Van de Beek has had a similarly positive start to life at Manchester United, at least on a personal level.

After scoring on his debut in the loss against Crystal Palace, Van de Beek claimed his first assist for his new club with a delightful flick that set up Juan Mata to score Manchester United’s second goal of the game. His touch did not go unnoticed among his teammates either who congratulated him as much as they did the goal-scorer.

#5 Eric Bailly makes a compelling case for a regular starting-berth

Eric Bailly has been excellent in his two Cup outings this season.

Although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems to have decided on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as his first-choice center-back pairing, there are some that believe that an injury-free Eric Bailly is much better suited to partner Maguire in defence for the Red Devils.

While the Ivorian’s explosive pace and physicality seem to be an ideal complement to Maguire’s superior ball-playing skills, Bailly’s wretched injury record has prevented him from putting together a run of games in Manchester United’s first-team.

However, he has made an encouraging start to this season with a couple of dominant performances in the Cup and is surely not far from starting for Manchester United in the league as well.