Man Utd boss Amorim takes second swipe at Rooney over managerial career

Rúben Amorim appeared to take a second swipe at Wayne Rooney’s managerial career after the Manchester United legend called him “naïve.”

Following United’s FA Cup exit on penalties to Fulham, Amorim stated: “Our goal is to win the Premier League. I know we’re losing games, but the objective remains the same.

"I don’t know how long it will take, but we have a target, and we will keep pushing forward no matter what.”

However, Rooney disagreed with Amorim’s comments and told the BBC: “I think it’s a bit naïve to say they’re aiming to win the Premier League because, from where they are now, they’re a long way off. The next step should be climbing up the table first.”

Amorim, though, fired back, seemingly taking a jab at Rooney’s coaching record by pointing out that he is managing United, whereas the former striker—who turns 40 this year—is currently unemployed after being sacked by Championship side Plymouth Argyle in December.

When Rooney’s comments were put to him, Amorim referenced his own age and responded: “That (winning the Premier League) is the goal. Being naïve would be to think we can do it this season or be the top contender next season.

"Right now, everyone seems to know everything. I was a pundit myself after finishing my playing career, so I know how easy it is. Maybe it won’t happen under me, but our aim as a club is to win the Premier League again, just as we did in the past with this club’s great legends and successes.

“We are in a difficult moment. But I’m not naïve—that’s why I’m here, managing Manchester United at 40 years old.”

His second dig came when he remarked that “it’s really easy” to criticize as a pundit, implying that Rooney’s analysis lacks depth.

Reflecting on United’s FA Cup elimination, Amorim added: “I think we started well, with good possession and control of the game, but we couldn’t maintain that for the full 90 minutes.

"At times, we dropped deeper to feel more comfortable and tried to exploit transitions. Over the course of the match, we created the better chances, but there were moments when we didn’t control the game as we should have. In the end, penalty shootouts can go either way, and today just wasn’t our day.

“It’s always tough because, when the league campaign isn’t going well, cup competitions become even more important. But we need to stay focused on the bigger picture, which is improving the team—not just in the short term, but also looking ahead to next season. We have to think beyond the present and build for the future.”