“SHOCKING OFFICE SHOWDOWN! Nuno Set to SLAM West Ham Star in Explosive Confrontation After Scandalous Incident!”

New West Ham United manager Nuno Espírito Santo has wasted no time asserting his authority at Rush Green, with reports suggesting he could soon discipline another key player following his bold decision to drop James Ward-Prowse.

Nuno’s decisive start and Ward-Prowse’s uncertain future

Just hours after taking over from Graham Potter, Nuno made headlines by excluding Ward-Prowse from his first matchday squad — a 2-0 defeat at Everton.

The 30-year-old had been a fixture under Potter, and his omission reportedly left teammates “stunned,” according to GiveMeSport.

Speculation quickly grew that Ward-Prowse’s days in east London were numbered, with Dean Jones reporting that the midfielder has been told he is surplus to requirements.

His former club, Southampton, have been mentioned as a potential destination should he depart in January.

Despite the mounting rumours, Nuno attempted to cool the situation during his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Arsenal, hinting that Ward-Prowse could still fight his way back into contention.

“We are trying to know the players as soon as possible so we can make proper solutions,” Nuno explained. “James was not involved [against Everton].

Let’s see after more training sessions. It’s about what the team needs and wants — it’s going to be a long season.”

However, top journalist Fabrizio Romano later confirmed that a January exit for Ward-Prowse remains “a very real possibility,” adding that Nuno plans to evaluate several players before deciding who fits into his long-term plans.

“Ward-Prowse is one of them, as he could leave the club,” Romano wrote in his GiveMeSport newsletter. “For others, it is still early, assessing options ahead of decisions.”

The former Saints captain is just one free-kick goal away from equalling David Beckham’s all-time Premier League record of 18 — a milestone that now seems increasingly unlikely to come in a West Ham shirt.

Nuno could turn attention to Lucas Paquetá

Ward-Prowse may not be the only player under scrutiny. Former Brentford manager Martin Allen believes Nuno will also address Lucas Paquetá’s on-field behaviour following an incident in the 1-1 draw against Everton.

Speaking to West Ham Zone, Allen said Nuno could “pull Paquetá aside” for a private conversation after the Brazilian went down clutching his face following a challenge from Vitali Mykolenko — even though replays showed he had been struck in the ribs.

“I didn’t like that, to be honest,” Allen said. “It’s something the manager will address to explain that West Ham don’t want to play like that to get somebody sent off.

He played well against Everton, but that’s something Nuno will pull him into his office for — show him the clip, and make clear it’s not acceptable here.

That kind of behaviour may be common in South America, but Premier League referees and fans don’t like it.”

Paquetá’s loyalty and role under Nuno

The 28-year-old Brazilian has previously demonstrated his commitment to West Ham. After scoring against Nottingham Forest earlier this season, he kissed the club badge in celebration — a symbolic gesture amid rumours linking him with Aston Villa.

Despite speculation, Paquetá opted to stay and continue his journey in East London.

The Hammers have also shown faith in him, standing by the playmaker during his recent spot-fixing investigation.

With Nuno now at the helm, Paquetá appears determined to repay that loyalty through consistent performances and professionalism.

As Nuno continues his squad evaluation, he faces a crucial test this weekend against Arsenal, one of the Premier League’s strongest sides and renowned set-piece experts — an area where Ward-Prowse once excelled.

A result against the title contenders could provide a huge morale boost before West Ham take a two-week break for international fixtures.

In just a short time, Nuno Espírito Santo has already stamped his authority on West Ham United.

His handling of established names like Ward-Prowse and Paquetá suggests a no-nonsense approach and a determination to shape the squad in his own image — even if it means making unpopular decisions in pursuit of long-term success.