Rory McIlroy believes his beloved Manchester United have more chance of landing a win on Sunday than himself.
The record four-time Hero Dubai Desert Classic champion trails leader Patrick Reed by 11 shots heading into the closing circuit at Emirates Golf Club.
It follows McIlroy, who missed a short par putt at the 18th on the Majlis Course, signing for a 71 in the third round as Reed strengthened his position at the top of the leaderboard in the $9 million Rolex Series event with a sparkling 67.
“We'll see - I hope so,” replied McIlroy when it was pointed out that he could still pull off one of his miracle comebacks.
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)placeholder image
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
“Yeah, it would give me half a chance maybe,” he added of being reminded that he’s shot 63 a couple of times at this venue in the past.
“But I'm not even thinking -- I just want to go out and play a good round of golf tomorrow and end the week on a positive note. “
The world No 2, who started his 2026 calendar campaign by tying for third in the Dubai Invitational last weekend, opened this event with a 73 before adding a 69.
“I feel like I played okay the last couple days,” he insisted. “I just haven't really got a lot out of the round. Yeah, and I've definitely felt these greens are a bit trickier than last week. Struggling to read them.
“I think, as well, when they get like this, crusty, they lose friction, and then some of the putts don't break the way you think they are going to break. It's a little tricky. But, yeah, felt like I played okay. Just didn't hole a lot of putts.”
McIlroy, who hasn’t finished outside the top 10 in his last 12 appearances in the Dallah Trophy tournament, sits joint-27th with 18 holes to go on this occasion.
“It's January,” he replied to being asked where his game is at the moment “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.”
With Michael Carrick acting as interim manager, Manchester United travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to take on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
“I would say Manchester United,” said a smiling McIlroy after being asked who was more likely to taste victory. “And that’s from a very pessimistic fan!”
Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, recovered from an opening bogey to card seven birdies as he burst four shots clear of fellow LIV Golf player David Puig in the Middle East.
Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin, who started the day six shots off the pace, slipped ten behind Reed after signing for a 71 that contained five birdies but also a double bogey and two bogeys.