Nuno Espirito Santo is already under serious pressure at West Ham United, just weeks after taking charge at the London Stadium.
The Portuguese coach, who replaced Graham Potter at the end of September, is facing growing doubts over his future as the Hammers languish in the Premier League’s relegation zone. Their latest setback — a 2-1 defeat to Leeds United on Friday night — has intensified speculation that his tenure could be short-lived.
Club owner David Sullivan is reportedly assessing the situation amid fears that the team is sliding towards a relegation battle. With no clear signs of progress since Nuno’s arrival, the pressure is now on him to make bold decisions to steady the ship — and that could start with dropping Andy Irving.
Irving’s struggles continue
The Scottish midfielder has started West Ham’s last two league matches but has failed to convince that he belongs at this level. Against Leeds, Irving and Tomas Soucek were completely outworked in midfield, leaving the side vulnerable and disjointed.
During his 64 minutes on the pitch, Irving won only 20 percent of his duels and struggled to make any real impact with or without the ball. His lack of presence and drive in the middle of the park has become a glaring issue, and Nuno’s persistence with him is beginning to raise eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
If the manager continues to rely on players who aren’t up to Premier League standard, West Ham’s results are unlikely to improve — and that could cost Nuno his job before the turn of the year.
Time to recall Ward-Prowse
Meanwhile, James Ward-Prowse’s exile from the squad remains a baffling subplot. The England international has barely featured under Nuno, with tensions between the pair reportedly lingering from their time together at Nottingham Forest.
Yet, with West Ham in dire need of leadership and quality in midfield, the 51-year-old boss may have to put personal differences aside. Ward-Prowse’s work ethic, experience, and set-piece prowess could be crucial in a relegation fight — qualities the current side sorely lacks.
It’s not a move Nuno might relish, but desperate times call for decisive actions. Reintegrating Ward-Prowse and reshaping his midfield could be the only way to stop the slide — and silence the growing calls for his dismissal.