Nuno Espirito Santo, David Moyes
Action Images
Pundit Aaron McLean believes West Ham United supporters must be careful what they wish for amid criticism of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
Despite overseeing the club's relegation from the Premier League last season, West Ham stuck with Nuno to lead them into the Championship, and it has been a positive start to life back in the second tier for the East London outfit.
Nuno Espirito Santo under West Ham United scrutiny despite strong Championship start
Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham United
Action Images
It was a slow start to the season for West Ham as they failed to win any of their first three games, but they have built significant momentum in recent weeks to force their way up the table.
The Hammers extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a 1-0 win over leaders Swansea City at the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday, with Divine Mukasa's 34th-minute strike proving to be enough for Nuno's men to secure all three points against one of their promotion rivals.
With Middlesbrough dropping points as they were held to a surprise draw at home by Cardiff City, West Ham moved into the automatic promotion places on goal difference after their victory in South Wales, while they also closed the gap on Swansea to just one point.
Championship table (as it stands 20th October)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
However, despite their impressive recent form, some Hammers supporters have been unconvinced by their side's performances, and a section of the fanbase have expressed doubts over whether Nuno is the man to lead them to promotion this season.
Aaron McLean issues passionate Nuno Espirito Santo defence amid David Moyes, West Ham United warning
Soccer Football - Europa Conference League - Final - Fiorentina v West Ham United - Eden Arena, Prague, Czech Republic - June 7, 2023 West Ham United manager David Moyes celebrates winning the Europa Conference League with his winners medal
Action Images
In response to a suggestion by a West Ham fan that Nuno is not the right fit for the club, McLean urged Hammers supporters to stay behind the 52-year-old, backing him to guide them to the Championship title this season.
McLean also pointed to what happened to the Hammers after David Moyes left in the summer of 2024, with the Scot departing after frequent criticism from fans over his style of play, despite winning the Europa Conference League and overseeing multiple top-half finishes in the Premier League during his second spell in charge at the London Stadium.
West Ham finished 14th in the top flight in the first year after Moyes' exit before being relegated to the Championship the following season, and McLean claimed that should act as a warning to supporters amid their current frustrations with Nuno.
"I think you stick with what you've got," McLean said on the Inside the 72 podcast.
"They're one point off the top, I think they've had a good start to the season.
"I think West Ham fans need to just be careful what they wish for.
"You look at David Moyes, a lot of West Ham fans wanted David Moyes out, but the David Moyes was out of the door, they took a nosedive.
"I think you have to be careful what you wish for.
"Nuno has got experience in the Championship, he's taken Wolves from the Championship to the Premier League.
Vincent Tan and Mark Attanasio
Vincent Tan and Mark Attanasio
"At the moment, they're fine, I don't think they need to be looking any further than what's in front of them.
"Naturally, fans are always going to have an opinion about team selection and style of play.
"I always hear this 'West Ham way', but I've never seen it before.
"I've never seen what the West Ham way is, but that quote is always thrown around.
"Once they get to the top of the division, I don't expect anyone else to overtake them.
"For me, Nuno is the right man."
West Ham United supporters must be patient with Nuno Espirito Santo
Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham United
Action Images
Given that he was unable to save West Ham from relegation last season, despite being in charge for the majority of the campaign, Nuno will not have much credit in the bank with supporters.
There is no doubt that the Hammers have the strongest squad in the Championship, so Nuno is rightly expected to deliver promotion this season, and, as things stand, he looks on course to achieve that objective, with his side currently sitting second in the table.
It is fair to say that some of West Ham's performances have been underwhelming at times, but the fact that they are still in the automatic promotion places without being at their best is ominous for the rest of the league, as they will likely improve further over the course of the season.