Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has responded to criticism from former player Wayne Rooney, saying he is not naive about the club’s long-term goal of winning the Premier League. Rooney had questioned Amorim’s comments that the club’s main objective was to win the top-flight title.
Rooney, a BBC pundit and Manchester United record goalscorer, stated that being “naive” meant believing they could achieve this goal this season or be contenders next season. However, Amorim believes Rooney is misinterpreting his comments. He said he knows what it takes to win the Premier League but acknowledges the current team’s difficulties in achieving this goal.
Amorim also defended goalkeeper André Onana, who was criticized for not making a decisive attack with a goal-kick just before halftime. The coach explained that Onana was trying to read the game and allow his teammates time to rest.
Manchester United is set to face Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. The team’s midfielders are struggling with fatigue, and defender Harry Maguire is an injury concern after being forced off in their recent loss to Fulham.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/02/ruben-amorim-wayne-rooney-manchester-united-fulham-fa-cup