West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola believes Manchester United are weaker this season.

Zola believes his West Ham team can give Manchester United another torrid afternoon at Upton Park - because Sir Alex Ferguson's side are not as good as last season.

Zola, who will use Guillermo Franco as his target man in place of the injured Carlton Cole, said: "Talentwise, they don't have the same as last season. (Cristiano) Ronaldo has been a big miss."