Ruben Amorim has dismissed Wayne Rooney’s criticism, stating that it’s easy to be a pundit after the Manchester United legend accused him of being “naive” for talking about winning the Premier League.
United’s FA Cup exit to Fulham was another setback in a disappointing season, as Bruno Fernandes’ second-half equalizer canceled out Calvin Bassey’s opener, only for the Red Devils to fall 4-3 on penalties. Bernd Leno saved spot-kicks from Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee, sending United crashing out of the competition.
Amorim’s Response to Rooney’s “Naive” Comment
After the match, Amorim reaffirmed United’s goal to reclaim the Premier League title, but Rooney, working as a BBC pundit, dismissed that ambition as unrealistic: “It’s a little naive to say ‘We’re looking to win the Premier League’ because, from where they are now, they’re a long way off that.”
When asked about those comments in his post-match press conference, Amorim did not hold back: “That is the goal. Being naive would be to think we can do it this season or that we will be the best contender next season.”
“I know that, at this moment, everybody thinks they know everything. I was a pundit when I finished playing—it’s really easy.”
“Our goal as a club, as a board, is to win the Premier League again. Maybe it won’t be with me, but that is the long-term objective.”
“Manchester United has a history of winning, and we want to restore that. We know we’re in a difficult moment, but I’m not naive. That’s why I’m here, coaching Manchester United at 40 years old.”
It comes after Rooney left his last managerial job at Plymouth Argyle at the end of last year after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with the club. The team was last place in the Championship and four points from safety at the time.
United’s Rebuild & Rooney’s Concerns
United’s owners, INEOS, have made their intentions clear with ‘Mission 21’, an initiative aimed at securing a 21st league title, and ‘Project 150’, which outlines the plan to achieve that by 2028—the club’s 150th anniversary.
However, missing out on European football this season would be a significant setback. Rooney questioned whether United is still an attractive destination for top players:
“You need stability to bring in the best players. If I were playing elsewhere and Manchester United came in for me now, I’d think, ‘I’m not sure.’”
“The top players want Champions League football, and unfortunately, United isn’t there at the moment.”
Rooney compared the club’s current struggles to the transitional phase he joined in 2004, but noted a major difference: “Back then, I knew Ferguson would rebuild the team and get it right. Right now, it’s hard to see that happening.”
Fulham’s FA Cup Triumph & Next Steps
While United turn their focus to Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first leg against Real Sociedad, Fulham return to London full of confidence after securing their first Old Trafford victory in over two decades.
Manager Marco Silva praised his team’s performance, particularly their ability to make amends for their quarter-final collapse at Old Trafford two years ago:
“We wanted to reach the quarter-finals, and I truly believe we deserve to be there,” Silva said.
“From the first game of this competition, we believed we had a chance—not just after beating United.”
Fulham now face Crystal Palace in the next round, with Silva acknowledging the challenge ahead:
“Palace is a very good side. It will be tough, but we’ll prepare properly. Now that we’re in the quarter-finals, we want to reach the semi-finals.”
For United, FA Cup dreams are over, and with Premier League form inconsistent, Amorim’s side must now shift their focus to the Europa League—their last chance to salvage their season.
