Manchester United Boss Ruben Amorim Fires Back at Wayne Rooney Over ‘Naive’ Jibe

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim responds to criticism from Wayne Rooney, insisting the club’s long-term goal remains winning the Premier League.

Manchester United have been eliminated from the FA Cup after a defeat in the fifth round against Fulham. Following the exit, club legend Wayne Rooney who was working as a pundit during the game, called the club’s head coach ‘naive’ for previously saying that the goal is to win the Premier League.

"It wasn't our day."

Ruben says the Reds gave everything against Fulham.#MUFC || #FACup
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 2, 2025

Rooney said that Amorim’s ambitions for the club are unrealistic. Hearing the ‘naive’ jab and such criticism, the Red Devils boss didn’t stay silent. He dismissed Rooney’s statements and said “I’m not naive. That is why I’m here coaching Manchester United at 40 years old.”

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The FA Cup fifth-round match between Man United and Fulham went to penalties to decide a winner. The Red Devils lost that match but Amorim reaffirmed his belief to everyone that the club’s long-term objective still remains to reclaim domestic dominance.

What Rooney Said

Wayne Rooney, the club legend and all-time top scorer, sympathized with Amorim’s plight but he suggested that the Portuguese coach was being overly optimistic considering United’s struggles this season. Talking on BBC Sport, he said:

“I do think he [Amorim] will get [time]. It’s not a free hit because I think you’d expect a bit more from Manchester United than what we’re seeing since he’s been in. It’s very difficult to come in during the season and not have the pre-season to implement his plans with the team.

He has to look to the future moving forward and how can they firstly – he says win the Premier League – compete to get a bit further up the table, I think that’s the next step for them. I think 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.”

What Amorim Said

Amorim responded to it and firmly defended his stance. He made it clear that he understands the reality of the Red Devils’ current position but that they remain focused on the bigger picture. During the post-match press conference, Amorim said:

“No, that is the goal. Being naive is to think that we are going to [win the title] this season or that we are going to be the best contender next season. I know that in this moment everybody knows everything. I was a pundit when I finished my career and I know it is really easy. Our goal is to win the Premier League. Maybe it is not with me, but our goal as a club, as a board, is to win the Premier League like we did in the past with all the great glories and the legends of this club.”

Manchester United

Premier League

Ruben Amorim

Wayne Rooney

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.