Relegation fallout continues as Sheffield United’s incoming Championship rivals consider sacking head coach

Sheffield United could be set to face a very different West Ham side in next season’s Championship, with reports suggesting head coach Nuno Espírito Santo is on the brink of the sack following the Hammers’ shock relegation.

According to reports, the Portuguese boss was summoned for crisis talks with West Ham’s hierarchy after Sunday’s devastating drop to the second tier. Despite ending the season with a 3-0 win over Leeds United at the London Stadium, results elsewhere sealed the club’s fate as Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation by beating Everton to survive.

West Ham’s fall ends a 14-year stay in the Premier League and marks their first return to the Championship since the 2011/12 campaign, when they bounced back through the play-offs. For Sheffield United, it means renewing a rivalry with the Hammers outside the top flight for the first time in over two decades.

Nuno only arrived at the London Stadium in September after replacing Graham Potter, but his spell has reportedly failed to convince club chiefs. The former Wolves manager, who famously guided Wolves to the Championship title in 2018, managed just 11 wins from 37 matches in charge across all competitions and oversaw only two victories in West Ham’s final six Premier League games.

The Hammers’ relegation has been blamed on years of poor decision-making behind the scenes, with constant managerial changes and questionable recruitment choices contributing heavily to their downfall.

Reports also suggest West Ham face a huge summer rebuild, with claims the club may need to raise around £150 million through player sales. If Nuno is dismissed, his successor would become the club’s fourth permanent manager since David Moyes’ second spell ended in 2024.

For Sheffield United fans, the news could mean one of their new Championship rivals heads into the season already dealing with major uncertainty off the pitch.