Nuno Espírito Santo’s position at West Ham is under increasing pressure after a disappointing opening to the Championship season. The club’s latest setback, a 3-1 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion, left them eighth in the table and occupying the final playoff place.
West Ham are seeking an immediate return to the Premier League after relegation last season, but they are now four points behind second-placed Swansea City and have lost their last two home matches. Nuno is expected to be given time to improve the team’s results, although influential figures at the club are becoming increasingly impatient. Supporters expressed their frustration during the defeat by West Brom.
The club initially considered dismissing Nuno after he failed to prevent relegation. David Sullivan, then West Ham’s largest shareholder, reportedly wanted to end the manager’s tenure, while Daniel Kretinsky supported continuity. Kretinsky became the club’s largest shareholder in September after acquiring a 46% stake, while Sullivan increased his holding from 38% to 40% after resigning as joint chair and director.
Any decision over Nuno’s future will be taken collectively by the board. Interim chief executive Karim Virani and recruitment director Nils Koppen are expected to have a say. West Ham visit Cardiff City on Wednesday and have won only two of their last six matches, leaving Nuno facing further scrutiny if results do not improve before the international break.
West Ham appointed Nuno after dismissing Graham Potter in September 2025. The manager’s tactics and recruitment were questioned last season, and similar concerns have continued since relegation. The club sold Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes but retained Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek. They also set a new EFL transfer record by signing Arne Engels from Celtic for £22m.
There is a belief within the club that West Ham have the strongest squad in the Championship and should be performing better. However, Nuno has struggled to settle on a regular starting lineup. West Ham have recorded three clean sheets in 13 matches and have conceded the opening goal six times.
The forwards signed under Nuno—Joel Piroe, Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos—have scored five league goals between them. Bowen leads the team with seven goals, but West Ham have yet to establish a clear style or find the right midfield balance. Soungoutou Magassa and Edson Alvarez, both holding midfielders, have fallen out of favour.
West Ham still hope Nuno can guide them up the table. They have recorded 6-0 victories over Wrexham and Lincoln City, although Lincoln were reduced to nine players in the first half. Their strongest display came in a determined 1-0 away win against Swansea City, indicating that the team may be more effective when not expected to dominate possession and control the game.
Sources: The Guardian Sport.