Ruben Amorim hit back at Wayne Rooney and insisted that he isn’t naive enough to think it will be easy for Manchester United to rule English football again.
After seeing his team go out of the FA Cup on penalties to Fulham, Amorim doubled down on the main objective at United who have launched Project21 to try and win the title by 2028.
‘I know we are losing games and trophies this season, but the goal is to win the Premier League,’ he said.
‘I don’t know how long it’s going to take but that is our goal. If you think like that you can suffer a little in these defeats – a lot sometimes – but we have a goal and we continue forward no matter what.’
Working at Old Trafford as a pundit for BBC, Rooney claimed it was naive for Amorim to make such a bold statement when United are currently 14th in the table.
‘He says win the Premier League, but how can they compete?’ said Rooney. ‘The goal should be to get further up the table.
Ruben Amorim has hit back at Wayne Rooney after the Manchester United icon labelled the Portuguese ‘naive’ over his Premier League triumph ambitions
Rooney highlighted that the Red Devils must focus on reaching greater heights in the league
The dispute came after United were knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday, following a lost penalty shoot-out against Fulham
‘I think it’s a little bit naive to say we’re looking to win the Premier League because from where they are now they’re a long way off that.’
His claims came after the Red Devils were knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday following a disappointing 3-4 loss over the penalty shootout against Fulham.
The Cottagers took the lead at the end of the first half through Calvin Bassey’s header after a corner kick play before Bruno Fernandes equalised with a spectacular left-foot strike in the 71st minute.
However, United’s hopes were still high as they clearly dominated the game with a significant overperformance in shots on target despite just 41 per cent in ball possession.
Rooney’s comments were put to Amorim in his post-match press conference and United’s head coach was quick to have a go back at United’s all-time top scorer.
‘Being naive is to think we are going to do it this season or be the best contender next season,’ he said.
‘So I know that in this moment everybody knows everything. 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 with all the great glories and legends of this club.
Amorim has insisted it is’really easy’ being a pundit just two months after Rooney was sacked as Plymouth manager
The ex-England star led Plymouth to the bottom of the Championship before he was sacked
‘I’m not naive. That’s why I’m here at 40 years old, coaching Manchester United.’
United are currently 14th in the Premier League standings, with only 33 points after 27 games.
Unfortunately for Amorim’s men, they’ve got some challenging matches left, such as a home clash against Arsenal next week and the Manchester derby at the beginning of April, followed by a tough trip to Newcastle.
Previously, the Portuguese admitted that this version of the Red Devils may be the worst in their history.
Rooney recorded only five wins and lost five out of his six last matches with Plymouth, including two 4-0 humiliations over the Christmas period.
His last game in charge was a 2-0 defeat against another relegation rival, Oxford United, extending the winless run to nine games.
The former England star has an underwhelming record throughout his managerial career, with just 45 wins out of 178 matches.
Meanwhile, United are now set to face Real Sociedad in a tough trip for the first leg of the Europa League round of 16, which remains the only competition they can fight for following their FA Cup exit.
United are now set to take on Real Sociedad in a tough trip for the first leg of the Europa League round of 16
Amorim has previously vowed to bring success at Old Trafford, but that could mean a host of departures in the upcoming summer transfer window
Amorim defended his decision to send Victor Lindelof up to take a penalty in the shootout before Alejandro Garnacho, while Fulham boss Marco Silva was delighted with the coolness shown by his players as they booked a quarter-final date at home to Crystal Palace.
‘I love the composure of our team,’ said Silva. ‘I know it is not easy away from home with this crowd. It was a moment for (Bernd) Leno to do his part and he did it fantastic.’
Initially, Amorim arrived at Old Trafford in November as one of the most hunted managers on the market after an impressive time in Sporting Lisbon.
The Portuguese has vowed to fight for success at United, pushing for his favourite formation with three centre backs in the defensive line.
However, after such radical changes in the club, Amorim admitted there could be a host of departures from Old Trafford in order to secure more players suitable for his system.
Both United strikers Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund face uncertain futures at the club, while several out-of-favour players, such as Marcus Rashford and Antony, are already on loan.
