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‘That’s why I’m here at 40 years old’ – Amorim aims brutal dig at Wayne Rooney in response to club legend’s ‘naive’ jibe as Fulham dump Red Devils out of FA Cup
Ruben Amorim has fired back at Wayne Rooney after the Manchester United legend labeled the club’s title ambitions as “naive.”
Rooney, working as a pundit, remarked United’s FA Cup exit to Fulham in a fifth-round penalty shootout. Meanwhile, Amorim’s side remains in the Europa League but sits 14th in the Premier League, far from the heights they aspire to reach.
Despite their struggles, Amorim insists that United’s long-term vision is to reclaim domestic dominance, just as they did under Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.
Rooney, a five-time Premier League champion with United, was skeptical of that outlook, stating: “I think it’s a little naive to say they’re looking to win the Premier League because from where they are now, they’re a long way off that.”
Unfazed by the criticism, Amorim responded sharply, emphasizing the club’s broader ambitions.
“That is the goal,” Amorim said. “Being naive is thinking we’ll do it this season or be the top contender next season. I know how easy it is to be a pundit—I was one after I retired.
“Our goal is to win the Premier League. Maybe it won’t happen with me, but as a club, with the board, we aim to return to the top like we did with the great legends of this club. We are in a difficult moment, but I am not naive—that’s why I’m here, at 40 years old, coaching Manchester United.”
While Amorim leads United’s latest rebuild, Rooney is battling to restore his managerial reputation. His last two jobs at Birmingham and Plymouth failed, lasting just 83 days and 25 games, respectively.
“I’m not naive, that’s why I’m coaching Manchester United at 40 years old” 👀
Ruben Amorim responds to Wayne Rooney saying it’s naive for him to say his goal is to win the Premier League 🏆 pic.twitter.com/YZ3GWkGcP6
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 2, 2025