Why golfer Rory McIlroy is no fan of Roy Keane

Manchester United-supporting golf star Rory McIlroy admits he is no fan of Roy Keane as the former Republic of Ireland midfielder snubbed his boyhood request for an autograph.

Rory McIlroy signs autographs for golf fans at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England this July. Pic/Getty Images

McIlroy, 28, the four-time major winner from County Down, explained why he always tries to sign autographs after Keane refused him the same privilege years ago. A video of McIlroy handing a ball to a wide-eyed boy at the British Masters has gone viral. And speaking ahead of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, McIlroy revealed why he takes time out to acknowledge young fans.

Roy Keane

He told the Irish Independent: "I had it go the other way for me, where I asked someone for an autograph as a kid and they didn't give it to me.

"I've never liked them since. It was Roy Keane, who should be one of my heroes. It sort of stuck with me. That's why, if a kid asks for an autograph, I always try to do it."