Ruben Amorim, the embattled manager of Manchester United, has refused to back down from his bold claim of targeting the Premier League title, despite a stinging FA Cup fifth-round exit to Fulham and scathing criticism from former United star Wayne Rooney.
The 40-year-old Portuguese coach, speaking after his side’s penalty shootout defeat to Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday, reiterated his ambition to restore United to the pinnacle of English football, just hours after Rooney labelled his title aspirations “naive.”
United’s season took another disheartening turn as they were knocked out of the FA Cup, leaving the Europa League as their sole remaining chance for silverware and Champions League qualification.
After a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, Fulham triumphed 4-3 on penalties, with Bernd Leno denying Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee.
In a post-match interview with the BBC, Amorim stated, “The goal is to win the Premier League again.” This prompted Rooney, a pundit for the broadcaster, to remark, “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.”
At his subsequent press conference, Amorim addressed Rooney’s comments head-on. “That is the goal,” he asserted.
“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’s co-owner, Ineos, has set a lofty target of winning the club’s 21st English league title by their 150th anniversary in 2028, dubbed “Project 150.” However, missing out on European football would severely hamper those ambitions.
Rooney further questioned United’s current appeal to top players, stating, “You need to be in a stable position to bring the best players in. 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.”
Meanwhile, Fulham manager Marco Silva celebrated his team’s historic victory, which sets up a quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace.
“We wanted to play in the quarter-final and I really believe – and it’s my feeling – that we deserve to be there,” Silva said. “From the first day of the competition (we thought we had an opportunity) – it’s not just now because we won against Man United.”
As United lick their wounds, their attention shifts to the Europa League last-16 first leg against Real Sociedad on Thursday, while Fulham bask in the glory of their Old Trafford triumph.
