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

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Amorim naive for suggesting Man Utd goal is to win Premier League - Rooney

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has defended himself after being called "naive" by former captain Wayne Rooney for suggesting the clubs goal is to win the Premier League.

United had lost nine of their 23 games under Amorim before being knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties by Fulham in the fifth round.

It leaves winning the Europa League as the only realistic avenue back into European competition next season.

Yet, initially speaking to BBC Sport after the game and then in his wider post-match news conference, Amorim spoke of Uniteds desire to win the Premier League for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

"The goal is to win the Premier League," said the Portuguese. "I know we are losing games but the goal is to win the Premier League again. I dont know how long it will take. We have a goal and we continue forward no matter what."

Working as a pundit for Match of the Day, Rooneys reaction to those comments was that Amorim should focus more on short-term aims that might keep him in his job.

"I think its a little naive to say theyre looking to win the Premier League because from where they are now, theyre a long way off that," he said.

"I think hell get time but its not a free hit because hell expect more from Manchester United than what were seeing since hes been in. He says winning the Premier League, how can they compete? To get further up the table, I think thats the next step for them."

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The goal is to win the Premier League

Rooneys comments about United carry huge weight given his achievements at the club.

He remains Uniteds record goalscorer and won five league titles and the Champions League during a stellar period in which he was a central figure in Fergusons last great side.

However, he has a chequered record as a manager, initially doing well in a difficult situation at Derby, moving to Major League Soccer with DC United, but then lasting just 15 and 25 games in ill-fated spells at Birmingham and Plymouth.

Amorim did not mention this when he responded to Rooneys comments. But, from personal experience, he knows talking about a team and managing one is two entirely different things.

"That (winning the Premier League) is the goal," said Amorim. "To be naive is to think we are going to do it this season or be the best contender next season.

"I know in this moment, everybody knows everything. I was a pundit when I finished my [playing] career. I know its really easy.

"Maybe it is not with me but our goal, as a club, is to win the Premier League like we did in the past with all the great glories and legends of this club.

"We are in a difficult moment. And Im not naive, thats why Im here, at 40 years old, coaching Manchester United."

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