Manchester United make their first visit to the London Stadium this evening (5.15pm kick-off) to take on a West Ham side who have improved in recent weeks.

Slaven Bilic’s side beat Burnley, Hull, and Swansea over the Christmas period, although suffered a 1-0 defeat away at champions Leicester on New Year’s Eve – their first loss since the start of December.

Nonetheless, their fine run of three successive victories means that the Hammers are up to 12th in the table, and sit eight points clear of the bottom three at the start of 2017.

However, they will have their work cut out attempting to win a third consecutive league game at the London Stadium this evening, as Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United have won their last five league matches, including their last two on the road.

A late 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on New Year’s Eve means that the Red Devils are just three points behind neighbours Manchester City in fifth, and a win in East London this evening could take them to the cusp of the top four places.

Having played just 48 hours ago, both managers will likely make changes this evening, so here are THREE Man United players who deserve a chance against West Ham today…

Juan Mata

Juan Mata has arguably been one of United’s better players this season, and his assist in the win over Middlesbrough on New Year’s Eve is indicative of a player who can make the crucial difference in the final third.

The Spanish international has scored three goals and laid on two assists in 14 league appearances this season and, although he didn’t have a big impact in the wins over Crystal Palace and Sunderland, his short cameo role off the bench against Boro may be enough to earn him a start this evening.

West Ham are looking for a third successive clean sheet at the London Stadium, so have proved tough to break down at home – United may need Mata’s technical ability in the final third to get the three points.

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has been struggling with injury over the festive period, but with United having played just 48 hours ago, Mourinho may need to shuffle his midfield options against West Ham.

Thus, if Rooney is fit and ready to play, then he should go into the starting eleven.

The England captain has laid on five assists in his 14 league appearances this season, and was one of United’s most influential players back in November – his last sustained run in the side.

West Ham have been difficult to beat in recent weeks, so United may need Rooney’s attacking pedigree to break them down at the London Stadium this evening.

Marcus Rashford

Mourinho has spoken in recent weeks about resting Zlatan Ibrahimovic over the Christmas and New Year period, so Marcus Rashford could be set for a recall against West Ham should the United boss rest the Swedish star today.

The England international has not scored for the Red Devils since their 4-1 victory over Leicester on September 24, but the 19-year-old looked lively when he came on for the final 18 minutes in the win over Middlesbrough on New Year’s Eve.

Rashford hasn’t started for United since the 1-1 draw at home to the Hammers back in November, yet the young forward may have done enough in his short substitute’s cameo to suggest that he’s ready to lead the line for Mourinho’s side this evening.