Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains what changed for Manchester United in two victories over Brighton

Goals from Scott McTominay, Juan Mata and Paul Pogba saw United through to the quarter-finals, just four days after edging a 3-2 thriller at the Amex in the Premier League. Here's how the action unfoldedSolskjaer made ten changes for the cup tie with only central defender Victor Lindelof retaining his place. Graham Potter, meanwhile, opted to keep both Ben White and Lewis Dunk in his defence.

When asked why Wednesday night's victory was more comfortable, Solskjaer said: "We played against a better team on Saturday than what we did tonight, we can't hide that fact.

"Both teams made some changes but the way our players grew into the game, got more confident, keeping a clean sheet is vital for them.

"The fitness and sharpness is the main thing along with the result to go through to the quarters."

Solskjaer admitted the result could have been different if it wasn't for a spectacular, one-handed save by Dean Henderson from Leandro Trossard, when the score was still 1-0.

"It was a big moment in the game as it was last time against Luton [in the previous round]," Solskjaer said.

"It was a good save as he kept his concentration when he didn't have a lot to do. We are very pleased with it.

"He lives for clean sheets which a keeper should do."

Solskjaer said that, for the first quarter of the game, neither side 'looked like getting any goals'.

He added: "Some quality moments from some of our players gave us the goals we needed.

"We're through and that's the job in the cup. I think we deserved it in the end.

"We had to defend well throughout the game in our shape so [I'm] very pleased.

"It wasn't a classic performance but scoring goals is always nice. The foundation is, of course, a clean sheet."

The United boss reserved praise for Juan Mata, whose 'composure and experience' paid dividends with a goal and assist.

"We know we are a young team and have different qualities in different players," Solskjaer said.

"Juan created almost every moment in this game. It was at the highest quality, in the attacking sense and defensively.

"One time, he tracked Dan Burn and saw off a cross at the back post against a 6ft 7 centre back. It shows how conscientious he is as well.

"He's a very valuable member of the squad, a top professional."

Have you read?: Brighton sign attacking midfielder from Borussia Dortmund

Player ratings: who shone and who struggled for Brighton against Manchester United

Graham Potter makes honest declaration after latest Manchester United loss