Solano in the swing of things

Nolberto Solano is relishing the visit of Manchester United as he looks to make it two goals in a week on Saturday.

The summer signing had the delight of his first Boleyn Ground goal against Reading on Boxing Day. His neatly-taken effort was ultimately only worth a point in the 1-1 draw - but for Solano his satisfaction at scoring was outweighed by his delight at getting regular games. "I'm happy to be here in the team, playing every week, that's more important," he said.

The 33-year-old was replaced in the second half on Wednesday as Alan Curbishley looked to inject extra energy in the form of 20-year-old Mark Noble - and you will not hear Solano complaining about team coming before individual. "We're playing a lot of games in a row, we are playing Saturday again and Wednesday. If the manager makes a decision I have to respect that. We are players, we are professionals."

Solano, who has livened up the Hammers attack with his set-piece prowess as well as his creativity on the right-side of midfield, will hope to be back in the starting lineup against the champions on Saturday. "It's always a big game and a difficult game," he said. "We know Man United are a very strong team with a lot of quality players but we are playing at home. If we give everything and don't give any chances away we have the opportunity to nick a point or all three points."

Reiterating that he thinks West Ham United have got what it takes to finish in the top eight, the Peruvian international knows the club need to match their away form when they play at home - having now drawn 1-1 against Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur and ten-man Reading in east London this season.

"We're not looking too bad at the moment, especially away from home. We need to make sure we are stronger at home, because if we're stronger at home we will get good results." There would certainly be no better time to do just that than against Manchester United. "It's always a special game to play against Man United. I like to play against all the big teams. I hope we can take the three points."