FA Cup exit: Amorim slams Rooney after "naive" comment

Ruben Amorim fires back at Wayne Rooney’s criticism after FA Cup exit, insisting his goal is to win the Premier League despite tough times.

Wayne Rooney has told "naive" club manager Ruben Amorim to lower his expectations; however, the Portuguese manager thinks Rooney is overbearing as a pundit. (Photo credit: GOAL)

Manchester United's under-fire manager, Ruben Amorim, has criticized former club captain Wayne Rooney for his comments after the Red Devils were beaten on penalties by Fulham at Old Trafford in the FA Cup.

The holders levelled in the second half through a well-drilled Bruno Fernandes effort midway into the second half after going into the break behind, courtesy of a Calvin Bassey header off a corner kick; you must have lost count of how many times the Red Devils have conceded from a corner kick or dead ball situations.

In an interview, Amorim said that his aim at the club is to win the Premier League following their exit from the FA Cup, a statement Wayne Rooney found "naive" while responding as a pundit on Sunday. Amorim has come out to slam the club legend, telling him, "It's easier to be a pundit.".

"[The Premier League] is the goal," said Amorim. "Being naive is to think we will 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."

Bernd Leno saved twice in the penalty shootout, first from substitute Victor Lindelof and then Joshua Zirkzee immediately after. Given their league position, the loss means United must keep things going in the Europa League, which remains their only hope of silverware and a route to Europe.

Wayne Rooney insists that Amorim's United is the worst he has ever witnessed, but the Portuguese manager isn't taking any prisoners as he is going toe-to-toe with the club legend on his takes, saying, "Anyone can say anything from the safety of the armchair.".