Man Utd boss Amorim fires back at Rooney after 'naive' claims

Despite the defeat to Fulham in the FA Cup fifth round at the weekend, Ruben Amorim had insisted that Manchester United's goal continues to be winning the Premier League. But the Portuguese's words were seen as naive by club icon Wayne Rooney.

The former Red Devils striker, now BBC pundit, said: "I think it's a little naive to say they're looking to win the Premier League because from where they are now, they're a long way off that. Get further up the table, I think that's the next step for them".

Rooney's words prompted a response from Amorim, who seemingly aimed a subtle dig at the Englishman's manager credentials after he was sacked by Plymouth Argyle earlier this year. “I know that in this moment everybody knows everything," he said.

The Man United head coach refused to consider his ambition to end the club's 12-year wait for another Premier League title naive, as he added: "I know that and it’s really easy - I was a pundit when I finished my career. I know it’s really easy.

Our goal is to win the Premier League. Maybe it is not with me. But our goal, as a club, the board, is to win the Premier League like we did in the past.  "I’m not naive, that’s why I’m here, at 40 years old, coaching Manchester United."

 

March 2, 2025