Man United host Slaven Bilic and his West Ham side for the second time in four days on Wednesday evening as both sides look to book a place in the EFL Cup semi-final.

Neither side have started their seasons well and played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in the late kick-off on Sunday afternoon, which saw Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho sent to the stands for kicking a water bottle, I know, it does sound silly.

With their effective rematch imminent both Mourinho and Bilic will be in search of a result that can really kick-start a run of form and, although there are bound to be changes from the starting elevens we saw at the weekend, there is no doubt this is a must win game for both managers.

It is, however, arguably more crucial for the Portuguese at the helm in Manchester to win the game, and here are THREE reasons that the Red Devils must go all the way and win the EFL Cup this season…

Sets you in good stead

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Lifting the League Cup is never a-top the list of a football manager’s priorities come that start of the season, however it can have a profound effect on your squad.

It is always a priority of Jose Mourinho’s to win silverware as early in the season as possible in order to create that feeling of being champions around a club, in fact, two of the three season’s he won the Premier League with Chelsea also featured a League Cup win.

A chance to escape league troubles

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

There has been seemingly no end to Mourinho’s troubles in the Premier League at Man United, the former Real Madrid boss has as many sendings off at Old Trafford as he does league wins this season.

A good run in the EFL Cup can give the fans, and staff, an escape from the worries of the Premier League for a brief moment and create a positive atmosphere around the club.

Can give your season the kick it needs

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Winning the EFL Cup could well be the key to a successful Man United season. As mentioned, lifting the trophy can create a winning feeling. Add to this the fact the en route to winning the Red Devils may have to beat the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal or even long-term rivals Leeds United, a big win over such opposition in the cup could be the catalyst for change at Old Trafford this term.