Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata felt this evening's victory over St Etienne in the Europa League has set things up for the weekend's EFL Cup decider.

The Red Devils advanced to the Round of 16 in Europe's second tier club competition with a professional 1-0 win over St Etienne at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, having won last week's first leg 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Mata believes the winning result will put the United players in a strong mindset ahead of Sunday's League Cup final with Southampton at Wembley.

"We knew it was going to be a tough atmosphere, their supporters are great," the Spaniard told BT Sport 3.

"But from the first minute I think we were very professional and scored one goal which made it easier for us and we're very happy because it's not just about qualifying but about winning and keeping us in a good stride and going into the final on Sunday with confidence.

"It was the best way to face a final - qualifying, winning and going into the final with confidence."

Mkhitaryan scored the only goal of the contest in the 16th minute before United lost defender Eric Bailly to two yellow cards in the second half.