At the Amex Stadium, Manchester United inflicted more misery on Brighton four days after beating them 3-2 in a dramatic Premier League game. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side needed a 100th minute Bruno Fernandes penalty to see off Albion on that occasion after conceding an equaliser moments earlier. There was less drama this time as United made 10 changes and Brighton nine, with Solskjaer's stand-ins proving superior. The far less dramatic affair saw United run out comfortable winners this time around.
A cagey first half saw very few chances with both sides enjoying long periods of possession but unable to create many opportunities. United though, who last won the League Cup in 2017, took the lead in the 44th minute when Scott McTominay headed home from Juan Mata's free-kick. Brighton had defended solidly up to that point, but weak marking that time around saw both Eric Bailly and McTominay completely unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box, with the Scotsman heading home past a hopeless Steele to make it 1-0.
Dean Henderson was called into action for United on 67 minutes to brilliantly deny a great effort from Trossard that had looked destined for the back of the net. After that, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær made a double change, bringing on Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford.
Brighton continued to apply pressure and looked the more likely to score but United doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute, with Donny Van De Beek flicking the ball through superbly to Spanish midfielder Mata, who slotted home his 50th goal for the club to round off a beautiful move.
Paul Pogba celebrated the third goal seven minutes later when his free-kick curled in via a deflection off Brighton's Joel Veltman.
In the end, the scoreline was harsh on Brighton who dominated the game for long periods, but in the end, Manchester United's quality showed through to make it a comfortable win.