Manchester United endured another defeat at the weekend, but there was plenty of reason for boyhood fan Rory McIlroy to celebrate.
Ruben Amorim is struggling to get results domestically as Manchester United head coach and it was no different at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
United suffered a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle and Joshua Zirkzee suffered a hamstring injury, which has ruled him out of the crucial Europa League quarter-final second-leg against Lyon on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, United fan Rory McIlroy was preparing to achieve a career grand slam in golf as he won the Masters in Augusta. It took him 11 years and made him one of golf’s greatest players of all time after previous successes in the US Open, PGA Championship and the Open Championship.
Even though the United first team were unable to deliver at the weekend, McIlroy was successful in putting a smile on most of our faces when he earned his Masters green jacket.
Ruben Amorim invites Rory McIlroy to Old Trafford
After a history win, McIlroy is in high demand.
Many United fans have called for McIlroy to be invited to Old Trafford to show off his latest trophy, hoping that his achievement would inspire some improved performances on the pitch.
McIlroy visited Old Trafford after his Open win in 2014 and another visit is on the cards so long as his accepts Amorim’s invitation.
United’s head coach sent a message via ManUtd.com to McIlroy and says: “Hi Rory,
“Congratulations for The Masters and I want to invite you to Old Trafford to show your trophy.
“It is really important to us in this moment. You achieved something that a lot of people thought would be impossible and we want that feeling in our stadium.
“So, I hope to see you soon at Old Trafford and to meet you.”
It will be great to have the sixth golfer – and first European – to complete the ‘Grand Slam’ at Old Trafford for a visit, but it will take a lot more than that to inspire the current crop of players.
Ruben Amorim has number one goal for Man Utd
Since arriving at Old Trafford, Amorim has not hid from the fact his number one objective is to win the Premier League as United head coach.
Former United striker Wayne Rooney called Amorim “naïve” for saying it, but it’s the truth because winning the league will always be United’s bread and butter.
It’s an unthinkable task for the foreseeable future, though Amorim should be praise for having something to work towards and that is why he wants to take inspiration from McIlroy’s Masters triumph.
Speaking to BBC Sport last month, Amorim said: “The goal is to win the Premier League. I know we are losing games but the goal is to win the Premier League again.
“I don’t know how long it will take. We have a goal and we continue forward no matter what.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
