WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola claimed Manchester United's first goal was the turning point at Upton Park on Saturday as his team went on to lose 4-0 to the Premier League's defending champions.

Paul Scholes' left-footed half-volley on the stroke of half-time took the wind out of the Hammers' sails and proved to be the catalyst for three more goals in the second period. Ryan Giggs' mazy run ended when the Welshman laid off Darren Gibson to slam home United's second, before Wayne Rooney and Antonio Valencia scored in the space of two minutes to make the points safe for the visitors.

Zola was impressed with his makeshift central defensive pairing of James Tomkins and Danny Gabbidon, although he acknowledged the wheels came off once Scholes had scored his 99th Premier League goal.

“They're finishing was excellent, especially the first two goals,” said the Italian manager. “The first one changed the story of the game because we were defending quite well. We worked all week to defend against them and it was working but we just needed one more minute.

“The second goal was a fantastic strike and after that we tried to chase the game and they counter-attacked. We knew the game was going to be like that, we just needed to stay solid until the end but it didn't happen. I can't be too hard on the players as they gave everything again, so I have nothing to complain about.

“The only thing I can say is that we didn't pose too much threat to them, that's fair enough, but don't forget they are the champions and we had a lot of young players in our team, so it wasn't easy.”

The result was not the only piece of bad news for Zola, as striker Zavon Hines added to the manager's injury troubles up front when he was forced off with a knee problem. And he revealed the prognosis was not positive.

“Zavon is one of those players on the edge. He has a knee problem. I felt sorry for him because he gave everything and was excellent in the first half, but then he had to come off. It's not looking good.” He admitted that he may have to delve into the transfer market when the window swings open in January, with Carlton Cole having already been ruled out of action until the new year with his own knee injury.

Asked whether he would look for new blood after Christmas, Zola joked: “I may have to put my boots on again. Right now we are short and we know that, but we will consider that (buying players in January).”

Robert Green was also brought off in the second half, complaining of illness after he vomited in the goalmouth.