'Not today kid' - Rory McIlroy confronts Roy Keane over typically blunt autograph response

Golfer Rory McIlroy has put former Manchester United captain Roy Keane on the spot over a two decade old autograph request.

McIlroy is a lifelong United supporter and has made no secret of his love for the club over the years. In October the 34-year-old admitted he would be interested in investing in United alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

After being approached to invest in Leeds United last summer, McIlroy was one of several new investors in the BWT Alpine F1 Team in October. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and boxer Anthony Joshua were among the other stars that funded part of the $183 million strategic investment led by Otro Capital.

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When it comes to football though, United are McIlroy's true love. He has followed the club since childhood and former United midfielder Keane ranks high on his list of heroes.

A young McIlroy spotted him in a hotel on international duty with the Republic of Ireland and approached him for his autograph. Keane, however, was not prepared to grant the future golfer's wish.

McIlroy, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast brought to you by Sky Bet, said: "I was down at the Parmer Links hotel and the Republic of Ireland team were staying there too. I saw one of my Manchester United heroes, Roy Keane, in the lobby, and I must've been around 12-years-old, so I went over to him asking for an autograph – he looked up at me and said, 'not today kid', but it was okay as it didn't make an impression on me!"

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