Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has hit back at Wayne Rooney’s claim that he is “naive” for stating his ambition to win the Premier League, saying it is “easy” to be a pundit.
Following United’s disappointing FA Cup exit to Fulham on Sunday, Amorim reaffirmed that his ultimate goal at Old Trafford is to secure the league title. Rooney, working as a BBC pundit, criticized the statement, suggesting it was unrealistic.
However, Amorim was quick to defend his stance, pointing out the ease of making judgments from a television studio.
“[Winning the Premier League] is the goal,” Amorim said. “Being 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.”
United’s FA Cup campaign ended in disappointment as they fell to Fulham on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Calvin Bassey put Fulham ahead just before half-time, but Bruno Fernandes equalized in the second half.
With the FA Cup no longer an option, United now face mounting pressure to salvage their season through the Europa League. They will take on Real Sociedad in Spain on Thursday in the first leg of their last-16 tie