Ruben Amorim clashes with Wayne Rooney over 'naive' Premier League title ambition | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim has refused to walk back on his ambition to deliver a Premier League title for Manchester United after being branded "naive" by club legend Wayne Rooney.

United, who sit 14th in the current Premier League standings, were dumped out of the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham on Sunday, after which an upbeat Amorim insisted his long-term focus remains on building a squad capable of winning the league 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," Rooney said live on BBC One in response to Amorim's comments.

"I think he'll get time but it's not a free hit because he'll expect more from Manchester United than what we're seeing since he's been in. 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 on Rooney's claim, Amorim defended his lofty ambitions and took a swipe at the former United striker in the process.

Amorim hit back at Rooney's comments / Alex Livesey/GettyImages

"No, that is the goal," Amorim stressed. "Being naive is to think that we are going to [win the title] this season or we are going to be the best contender for the next season.

"I know that in this moment everybody knows everything. I know that it is really easy. I was a pundit when I finished my career. I know it is 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 winning the Premier League like we did in the past with all the great glories and the legends of this club.

"We want to do better and we know that we are in a difficult moment. I am not naive. That is why I am here coaching Manchester United at 40 years old."