WEST HAM striker Guillermo Franco cannot wait to pit his wits against one of Europe's finest defences when he takes to the field to take on Manchester United at Upton Park this weekend.

The Mexico international has been a revelation for the Hammers since joining as a free agent at the start of the season.

He scored his third goal in six starts during the 5-3 win over Burnley at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, and he admits he is loving life in the capital after the fans sung his name when he was eventually replaced at the weekend.

“The truth is I am very happy,” the 32-year-old told WHUFC.com. “West Ham have fantastic supporters and of course I am happy to be playing and doing a good job so soon after arriving here. The fact they are singing my name is really great and I am glad I could give them a goal. They have been fantastic to me. I say to them thank you very much. That is all I can say as I think they know what it means to me to be here.”

Many fans and pundits alike will have seen the signing of Franco as a big gamble by the club, especially after his former club Villarreal refused to extend his contract with them at the end of last season.

However, he has gelled seamlessly with the rest of the squad, and has produced a number of eye-catching displays that has seen him become one of the first names on Gianfranco Zola's teamsheet.

He has had a chance to take on Manchester United before in the colours of Villarreal when the Spanish side dubbed the 'yellow submarine' earned a goalless draw at Old Trafford in the Champions League group stages last September.

Franco struck a post that day, and he is eager to go one better this time around.

“Manchester United is a big game, a good test for us,” added the striker. “I have played at Old Trafford and I know what to expect. They are a strong team but I think it's a good match for us to play. We will have no fear and will approach it with the right attitude.

“They are a strong team but we have to believe we can win. I know Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick last weekend and we will have to watch him.”