Rooney calls Amorim 'naive' for saying Man Utd want Premier League title

Manchester United's head coach, Ruben Amorim, has responded to criticism from former captain Wayne Rooney, who labeled him "naive" for asserting that the club's objective is to secure the Premier League title. 

Under Amorim's leadership, United has experienced a challenging season, suffering their tenth defeat in 24 matches after being eliminated from the FA Cup by Fulham in a penalty shootout at Old Trafford. This marks the sixth loss at home since the Portuguese manager took charge in November, leaving the Europa League as the sole viable path to European competition for the next season.

In his initial comments to BBC Sport following the match, and later during a broader post-match press conference, Amorim reiterated the club's ambition to reclaim the Premier League title, which they have not won since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. 

"The objective is to win the Premier League," Amorim stated. "I acknowledge that we are facing defeats, but our aim remains to win the Premier League again. I cannot predict how long this will take, but we have a goal and we will persist regardless of the challenges."

Rooney, serving as a pundit for Match of the Day, reacted to Amorim's statements by suggesting that the coach should prioritize more immediate objectives that could help secure his position. 

"I find it somewhat naive to claim they are aiming to win the Premier League, considering their current standing," he remarked. "I believe he will be given time, but it is not without pressure, as expectations for Manchester United are higher than what has been demonstrated under his management. He speaks of winning the Premier League, but how can they compete? I think the next step for them should be to improve their position in the league."Rooney's remarks regarding United carry significant influence due to his remarkable accomplishments with the club.

He holds the record as United's all-time leading goalscorer and has secured five league titles along with the Champions League during a distinguished era in which he played a pivotal role in Ferguson's final great team.

Nevertheless, his managerial career has been inconsistent; he initially found success in a challenging environment at Derby, transitioned to Major League Soccer with DC United, but faced disappointing tenures at Birmingham and Plymouth, where he lasted only 15 and 25 matches, respectively.

Amorim did not address this aspect when responding to Rooney's statements. However, he is acutely aware from personal experience that discussing a team and managing one are fundamentally different endeavors.

"Winning the Premier League is our objective," Amorim stated. "It would be naive to assume we will achieve this goal this season or be the top contender next season.

"I understand that everyone is well-informed at this moment. I was a pundit after concluding my playing career, and I recognize how straightforward it is to comment from the outside.

"While it may not be my time, our club's ambition is to reclaim the Premier League title, just as we have in the past alongside the great legends and glories of this institution.

"We are currently facing challenges. I am not naive; that is precisely why I am here, at the age of 40, coaching Manchester United."