Ruben Amorim has insisted a Premier League triumph with Manchester United remains the target, despite club legend Wayne Rooney stating the manager was “naive” to say so.
The Red Devils, who last lifted the league in 2013, sit 14th on the log and have been knocked out of the FA Cup following the penalty shootout loss to Fulham on Sunday.
Amorim, who resumed duty at the United dugout in November insisted that the aim is to win the league despite negative results.
“I know we’re losing games but the goal is to win the Premier League again. I don’t know how long it will take. We have a goal and we continue forward no matter what,” Amorim said to BBC after Sunday’s loss.
Rooney, who won the league five times with United during his playing career, remained adamant United were a long way away from challenging for the title.
“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,” he said on the BBC’s ‘Match of the Day.’
“He says winning the Premier League, how can they compete? To get further up the table, I think that’s the next step for them.”
Quizzed by a reporter about Rooney’s comments, Amorim insisted that winning the league remains the club’s goal, even if it does not happen in the near future.
“That is the goal. To be naive is to think we are going to do it this season or be the best contender next season. I know in this moment, everybody knows everything. I was a pundit… I know it’s really easy.” Amorim said at the post-match press conference.
“Maybe it is not with me but our goal, as a club, is to win the Premier League like we did in the past with all the great glories and legends of this club.”
“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 travel to Real Sociedad for the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie on Thursday.
