West Ham United are on the brink of another managerial change, with pressure intensifying on head coach Nuno Espirito Santo following a humiliating weekend defeat.
Nuno's Reign Nears Collapse After Molineux Mauling
Reports from multiple sources indicate the West Ham hierarchy is actively considering dismissing Nuno after a disastrous 3-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. The result, against a Wolves side without a league win since April last year, has plunged the Irons into a deepening crisis.
Nuno, who was surprisingly appointed in September following Graham Potter's departure, has managed just two victories in fifteen games at the helm. The Portuguese coach has overseen eight defeats during his short tenure, a record that has left the East London club languishing in 18th place in the Premier League table.
Speaking after the match at Molineux, a despondent Nuno offered a public apology. "I have to apologise to the fans," he said. "Those that travelled today, [our performance] was embarrassing... I don't recall a day that I’ve felt so bad on a football pitch like today."
Relegation Fears Spark Hunt for Successor
The defeat leaves West Ham four points from safety, facing the genuine threat of relegation from the top flight for the first time since 2012. This precarious position has forced the club's board to evaluate their options, potentially making a second managerial change this season.
According to reports, the leading candidate to replace Nuno is former Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. The Croatian, who managed the club between 2015 and 2017, was reportedly considered after Potter's exit and is said to be willing to return if the position becomes vacant. Bilic has been without a club since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Fateh in 2024.
Close behind in the betting is Michael Carrick. The Manchester United legend and former West Ham midfielder has been out of work since leaving Middlesbrough last summer and is viewed as a top contender for the role.
Who Else is in the Frame for the London Stadium Hotseat?
The bookmakers' list reveals several other names linked with the potential vacancy. Former Wolves manager and another ex-Hammer, Gary O'Neil, is priced at 8/1, while Frank Lampard is a 14/1 outsider, though a move from his role at Championship leaders Coventry seems unlikely.
The list of potential candidates also includes:
- Gareth Southgate – 16/1
- Lee Carsley – 20/1
- Kieran McKenna – 20/1
Nuno himself is now the clear favourite in the "next Premier League manager to leave" market, priced at 8/13 with bookmaker BetVictor.
The immediate focus turns to a crucial relegation six-pointer on Tuesday night, where West Ham travel to face Nottingham Forest—a club that sacked Nuno earlier this season—who sit just one place and a few points above them in 17th. The outcome could well determine the manager's fate.
