Amorim Hits Back at Rooney, Defends United’s Title Ambitions

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has responded to Wayne Rooney ‘s criticism of his stated ambition to win the Premier League title, suggesting that it’s “easy” to be a pundit. Amorim’s comments came after United’s FA Cup exit to Fulham on Sunday, a match that ended 1-1 after extra time, with Fulham winning on penalties.

Following the defeat, Amorim reiterated his primary goal at Old Trafford: “[The Premier League] is the goal. Being naive is to think we are going to do it this season or be the best contender next season… 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 and we will want to do better and we are in a difficult moment. And I’m not naive, that’s why I’m here, at 40-years-old, coaching Manchester United.”

Rooney, working as a pundit for the BBC, had labeled Amorim’s title aspirations “naive.” Amorim responded directly to Rooney’s comments, referencing his own brief experience as a pundit: “So I know that in this moment everybody knows everything. I know that and it’s really easy — I was a pundit when I finished my career. I know it’s really easy.”

The FA Cup defeat, which saw Calvin Bassey give Fulham a first-half lead before Bruno Fernandes equalized, leaves United relying on the Europa League for a chance of silverware this season. They face Real Sociedad in the last-16 first leg in Spain on Thursday.

Reflecting on the Fulham match, Amorim said: “I think we started quite well, we had good possession, controlling the game but we cannot maintain that for all the game. Sometimes we drop the lines to feel more comfortable to use the transitions. I think during the game we create the best chances. With the penalties it can happen and today was not our day.” The Amorim – Rooney debate has beguned.

Goalkeepers André Onana and Bernd Leno both made crucial saves during the match, but it was Leno who emerged as the hero in the penalty shootout, saving attempts from Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee. Amorim’s comments highlight the pressure and scrutiny he faces at Manchester United, as well as his continued belief in the long-term goal of restoring the club to Premier League title contention.