having scored his country's only goal in euro96 manager harry redknapp signed him for west ham united in 1996. most famously, he scored a goal against manchester united after being criticized by harry redknapp for going shopping with his wife at harvey nichols on a previous match day; a claim răducioiu denies. despite showing promise, he never adapted to the pace and competitive nature of the english game, making no real impact at upton park. he scored three goals during his spell with the hammers. in addition to his goal against manchester united he scored against stockport county in the league cup and sunderland in the league. after his short underachieving spell at the east london club, having fallen out with manager redknapp, he was transferred back to espanyol, having scored just two goals in the premier league.