Following Manchester United’s last-16 exit from the FA Cup, head coach Ruben Amorim responded to Wayne Rooney’s critique with a veiled jab at pundits. Amorim remarked on the simplicity of punditry after Rooney called him “naive” for expressing United’s ambition to clinch the Premier League title despite their recent defeat in the FA Cup fifth round by Fulham.
Consequently, the Europa League remains as United’s sole opportunity for silverware this campaign. Commenting during BBC‘s live broadcast, Rooney questioned United’s immediate Premier League aspirations, 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.”
The United legend himself experienced short managerial stints, having been ousted from Birmingham City after just 83 days last season and later sacked by Plymouth Argyle due to poor form.
Addressing his team’s aims, Amorim clarified his stance: “That is the goal (to win the Premier League). To be naive is to think we are going to do it this season or be the best contender 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. 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 to win the Premier League like we did in the past with all the great glories and legends of this club, and we will want to do better and we are in a difficult moment.
“And I’m not naive, that’s why I’m here, at 40 years old, coaching Manchester United.”
United last won the title in 2013 and their title drought is certain to extend to 13 years. The club went 26 years without becoming English champions between 1967 and 1993.
Fulham took the lead in added time of the first half of the fifth-round tie at Old Trafford as United failed to score from open play in the first 45 minutes for the 19th match running. Bruno Fernandes equalised to trigger extra time but United were beaten on spot-kicks.
“I think we started quite well with good possession, controlling the game,” Amorim added. “But we cannot maintain that for all of the game. Sometimes we dropped the line to feel more comfortable, sometimes to use transitions. I think during the game we create the best transitions, sometimes we didn’t control the game with the ball.
“In the end with the penalties, it can happen for both sides and today was not our day.”
This article first appeared on the Manchester Evening News.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk