Ruben Amorim reiterated Manchester United’s goal is to win the Premier League as he hit back at Wayne Rooney’s comments that he was “naive” to talk about that ambition following the FA Cup fifth-round exit to Fulham.
Sunday evening brought another low in a season to forget at Old Trafford, where the side 14th in the Premier League cancelled out Calvin Bassey’s opener through Bruno Fernandes’ fine strike only to lose on penalties.
Bernd Leno saved Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee’s spot-kicks as the Cottagers won the shoot-out 4-3 having ended 1-1 after extra time, leaving the Europa League as United’s only route to silverware and continental qualification.
Amorim said “the goal is to win the Premier League again” in his post-match interview with the BBC, whose pundit Rooney said “it’s a little bit naive to say ‘We’re looking to win the Premier League’ because, from where they are now, they’re a long way off that”.
Those comments were put to Amorim at his post-match press conference as he was asked whether it was realistic to talk about winning the title, and the United head coach said: “That is the goal.
“Being naive is to think that we are going to do it this season or going to be the best contender for the next season.
“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, so I know it’s really easy.
“Our goal is to win the Premier League. Maybe it is not with me. But our goal, as a club, the board, is winning the Premier League like we did in the past, with all the great glories and the legends of this club.
“We want to do better and we know that we are in a difficult moment. And I’m not naive. That’s why I’m here coaching at 40 years old Manchester United.”
United co-owner Ineos has set up ‘Mission 21’ to win a first Premier League crown since 2013 – a 21st English league title overall – with ‘Project 150’ outlining the ambition to do it by the club’s 150th anniversary in 2028.
But missing out on European football would dent those hopes, with United’s all-time top scorer Rooney questioning how attractive a move to Old Trafford is nowadays.
“You need to be in a stable position to bring the best players in,” Rooney said.
“And if I’m a player playing in a different country or in a different club and Manchester United come to try and sign me now, I’m looking thinking, ‘I’m not sure’.
“The top players want Champions League football and unfortunately that’s not where the club are at the minute.”
The former United star added: “They were in transition when I signed but a big reason I signed was Sir Alex Ferguson because you knew he’d get it right and he’d build up that team again. It’s hard to see that now.”
