Nuno Espírito Santo has responded to growing criticism surrounding January signing Adama Traoré following his brief cameo against Manchester United.
Traoré arrived at West Ham United late in the winter [window](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-transfer-news/) after a prolonged pursuit by Nuno, who previously worked with the winger at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
But early impressions in claret and blue have been far from encouraging.
The Spaniard sparked a touchline flashpoint during the defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, before failing to justify his billing as Nuno’s marquee signing when West Ham surrendered a lead against [Manchester United on Tuesday](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-1-1-manchester-united-the-morning-after/) night.
Ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Burton Albion, Nuno was asked directly about Traoré’s lack of impact — and, as expected, the manager leapt to his player’s defence while also making it clear improvement is required.
Nuno Stands By His Man — For Now
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Speaking to reporters, Nuno said:
“He has a lot of things to improve, having been out of competition for a while, but he’s putting all that he can into training sessions. We need him to get back to his best.”
It’s a diplomatic response, but one that also carries a warning.
Traoré was brought in to provide pace, power and penetration at a critical stage of West Ham’s season. So far, he’s delivered very little of any of those. Surely he will be given more of a chance to shine against Burton with Nuno set to rest a few of his regular starters.