Rory McIlroy is not as affected by the hate he’s getting after the PGA Championship drama as one thought he would be. CBS reporter Amanda Balionis, for one, has been very vocal about her views. In a recent farewell post to Quail Hollow, she’s sparked controversy by including LIV Golf pros and others in her commentary and thanking them for making time for interviews, seemingly taking aim at McIlroy. Not only that, even Bunkered writer Michael McEwan commented on the whole drama and said that it it was, “Really poor form for Rory to skip media all four days at the PGA.” The 2025 Masters Champion skipped media in all four rounds at the major after his driver was labeled illegal, and understandably, fans lost their minds over it. Yet, McIlroy remains unfazed.
But how? Well, McIlroy was spotted in Bilbao with his caddie Harry Diamond, where he’s set to cheer on his beloved Manchester United in the Europa League final against Tottenham. The 35-year-old golf superstar, known for his impressive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s on the green, has made a quick pitstop in Northern Ireland before heading to Bilbao. His $50 million private jet, a Gulfstream G650ER, was seen at George Best Belfast City Airport before he made his way to the Spanish city.
Former footballer Rio Ferdinand expressed his enthusiasm to see McIlroy and tweeted a picture with him with the caption, “YANITED 
@McIlroyRory”. And as excited as everyone is for the match, Manchester United’s chances are looking bleak. According to Harry Maguire, the team’s captain, the fans have been incredibly supportive despite the team’s poor performance.
Manchester United’s current form hasn’t been impressive, with the team already securing their worst Premier League finish since relegation in 1974 and going a club record eight games without victory. They’ve won just six league games since Ruben Amorim’s appointment in mid-November, and their 18 league defeats have left them potentially finishing as low as 17th, just one place above the relegation zone.
Despite this, Maguire believes that the team’s domestic results will be much better next season. And McIlroy plans to inspire them with his accolades.
Rory McIlroy aims to ‘inspire some better play’ for Manchester United
Rory McIlroy is hoping his Green Jacket will bring good fortune to his beloved Manchester United. The Northern Irishman, who recently made golfing history by becoming the sixth player to complete a career Grand Slam, joked that he’d be happy to wear his new blazer if it could help his boyhood club. “If it can inspire some better play, absolutely,” McIlroy said when asked if he would consider bringing his Green Jacket to a Manchester United game. McIlroy’s victory came just hours after United’s 4-1 loss to Newcastle United, their 14th Premier League defeat of the season.
The win was an emotional one, and he described the feeling of finally getting his Green Jacket as “the best day of my golfing life”. After a nervy playoff against Justin Rose, McIlroy dropped to his knees on the 18th green after holing his winning birdie putt. “There were points in my career where I didn’t know if I would have this nice garment over my shoulders,” he said. “I certainly didn’t make it easy today. I was nervous. It was one of the toughest days I’ve ever had on the golf course.”
With United struggling in the league, McIlroy’s Green Jacket might just be the inspiration they need. What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below!
