Rory McIlroy says he would “pay a lot of money to see Sir Alex Ferguson knock Roy Keane out”

When it comes to taking sides in the ongoing feud between Roy Keane and Sir Alex Ferguson, celebrity Man United fan and World No.3 golfer Rory McIlroy has left us in no doubt as to where his loyalties lie.

After shooting a solid opening round 67 at the Turkish Airlines Open, McIlroy was bizarrely asked a question about his club's legendary manager and their former captain. "I'd pay a lot of money to see Alex Ferguson knock Roy Keane out," said the 26-year-old with a laugh. McIlroy will represent Ireland at the Rio Olympics next year, but in this great battle of Old Trafford he comes down on the side of the former boss. The four-time Major winner is a huge admirer of Ferguson, who left the golfer in a"trance" when he spoke to Europe's Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles last year. Clearly he backs the Scot in the bitter row that was simmered away between Ferguson and Keane ever since the former United captain left Old Trafford a decade ago.

In Turkey yesterday, McIlroy also gave his opinion on Louis Van Gaal's second season in charge of the club, backing Anthony Martial to be a star.

"The Premier League this season has been a little bit weird. But it's a process, he's brought some players in," he said.

"I think Martial will be a great signing, I think he already is a great signing. And with the experience they've got, they will be ok."