The Masters champion trails LIV Golf star Patrick Reed by 11 shots going into the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 21: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland speaks to the media during a press conference following a Pro-Am prior to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 at Emirates Golf Club on January 21, 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy trails leader Patrick Reed by 11 shots going into the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic(Image: Luke Walker, Getty Images)
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Rory McIlroy reckons his Manchester United have got more chance of winning at Arsenal today than he has of lifting a fifth Hero Dubai Desert Classic title. And the Ulsterman admitted he is a "very pessimistic fan”.
The Masters champion missed a two-foot tiddler at the last hole at the Emirates Golf Club to trail leader Patrick Reed by a massive 11 shots going into the final round. The LIV Golf star is still in a different league this week.
Asked to choose the most likely Sunday winner between himself and the Old Trafford club after his 71, McIlroy smiled: “I would say Manchester United, and that's from a very pessimistic fan!
"Another Michael Carrick miracle? I would hope so. But shooting a 63 would give me half a chance maybe. But I just want to go out and play a good round of golf tomorrow and end the week on a positive note.
"It's January. So sort of working my way back into form a little bit. Yeah, it's okay. It's not exactly where I want it to be. It's early.“
Bruno Fernandes and Bukayo Saka
Manchester United will face Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday(Image: Alex Dodd - CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
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After his Augusta triumph last April, McIlroy was asked if he would be taking his Green Jacket to Old Trafford. “If I can inspire some better play, absolutely,” he laughed. He was then invited by Ruben Amorim, who was fired earlier this month.
McIlroy and leader Reed were involved in Tee-gate here in 2023 at the height of tensions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
The American flicked a LIV-branded tee at McIlroy after the Ulsterman had ignored him on the driving range.
Today they will be kept well apart with the 2018 Masters champion taking a four-shot lead into the final round on 14-under par after his 67.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Patrick Reed of the United States look on from the 15th tree during the second round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday
Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed have a history together in Dubai(Image: Getty)
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He is seeking his first DP World Tour win since the Hong Kong Open in November 2024 - while the $1.53m first prize will take care of his fine for playing on the Saudi-backed tour this year.
“You're always excited, showing up on Sunday with a lead,” said the American. That's what I feel like all of us live for as players, competitors, to have a chance to win on Sundays and just battle out with all the guys. Hopefully at the end I will be holding the trophy.”
Fellow LIV Golf star David Puig sits second after his 66 with Viktor Hovland a shot further back following his bogey-free 65 despite still struggling with his swing. The Norwegian took the title here in 2022 when he came from six shots back in the final round and then won a playoff. “It’s not over until it’s over,” he said.
Andy Sullivan is level with Hovland on nine-under par after his 71. Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton fell out of contention with a 76.