Rooney’s comments about United carry huge weight given his achievements at the club.

He remains United’s record goalscorer and won five league titles and the Champions League during a stellar period in which he was a central figure in Ferguson’s last great side.

However, he has a chequered record as a manager, initially doing well in a difficult situation at Derby, moving to Major League Soccer with DC United, but then lasting just 15 and 25 games in ill-fated spells at Birmingham and Plymouth.

Amorim did not mention this when he responded to Rooney’s comments. But, from personal experience, he knows talking about a team and managing one is two entirely different things.

“That (winning the Premier League) is the goal,” said Amorim. “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 when I finished my [playing] career. I know it’s really easy.

“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.”