Manchester United's head coach, Ruben Amorim, has responded to criticism from club legend Wayne Rooney, who called Amorim "naive" for expressing ambitions of winning the Premier League while the team currently sits in 14th place. This exchange comes on the heels of United's disappointing exit from the FA Cup after a penalty shootout loss to Fulham, marking their tenth defeat in 24 matches under Amorim’s leadership.

In the aftermath of the FA Cup elimination, Amorim reiterated his commitment to restoring Manchester United’s status as a title contender. "The goal is to win the Premier League," he stated, acknowledging the club's struggles but emphasizing a long-term vision rather than immediate expectations. He clarified that while it may be unrealistic to expect a title challenge this season, the ambition to reclaim the Premier League title remains a priority for the club.

Rooney, who remains Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer, expressed understanding for Amorim's situation but suggested that the focus should instead be on achieving short-term goals to stabilize the team. He believes that aiming for the Premier League title at this juncture is overly optimistic, given the team's current form and league position. Despite the criticism, Amorim insists that the overarching goal is to win the Premier League, reflecting a commitment to the club's rich history and legacy. As United looks to salvage their season through the Europa League, the challenge for Amorim will be to balance ambition with the reality of their current performance.