Manchester United face West Ham for the second time in four days on Wednesday when they meet in the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by Slaven Bilic’s side on Sunday, which was their fourth successive draw at Old Trafford in the league.

The game also saw Paul Pogba receive his fifth yellow card of the season, which means that he is suspended on Wednesday, and that moment also saw Mourinho sent to stands for angrily kicking a water bottle in frustration at the decision.

Nonetheless, United have produced better performances in recent weeks, only losing one of their last seven games in all competitions, but just one victory in seven league matches is not filling United fans with much optimism.

Yet, the League Cup provides them with the perfect distraction on Wednesday night, as they look to build upon wins over Northampton Town and Manchester City as they go in search of their first League Cup title since 2010.

With six games in 18 days coming up for the Red Devils, Mourinho is likely to make several changes to his side against West Ham, so here are THREE players that deserve an opportunity on Wednesday night…

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Armenian captain Henrikh Mkhitaryan reminded us all what he can do with a fine performance against Feyenoord in the Europa League last week.

And he deserves to add to his two starts this season against West Ham on Wednesday night.

The 27-year-old was one of the better players in the Bundesliga during his spell at Borussia Dortmund, and United would not have spent £30 million on the midfielder if they didn’t think he could cut it in England.

However, Mkhitaryan has struggled to break into Mourinho’s starting eleven, but recent displays suggest that he’s getting back towards full fitness, and that will be invaluable for United going forward.

Further minutes on the pitch will only help the Armenian get near those Dortmund heights once again.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Bastian Schweinsteiger’s exclusion from the United squad has been a surprise to many this season, especially given their troubles in the central midfield department.

However, his inclusion in the match-day squad on Sunday could suggest that he’s nearing a first team recall. And it’s long overdue.

The former German international still possesses the quality to control games from the midfield, even if his best days are behind him.

With Maroaune Fellaini and Paul Pogba suspended, and Morgan Schneiderlin likely to miss out through injury, there is no better time for Mourinho to bring Schweinsteiger back in from the cold and give him a start on Wednesday.

Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial was one of United’s best players last season under Louis van Gaal, but he’s found the going tough this time around under Mourinho.

The French international has made just five starts in the Premier League and a further three substitute appearances so far, with his starting role against Arsenal ten days ago his first since September 18.

However, it’s clear that Martial has the talent to lead the United line for many years to come, but he needs confidence and minutes on the pitch to get to that level.

The 20-year-old has yet to start in the League Cup this season but, with United facing six games in 18 days, this could be the perfect time to give him a start.