Rory McIlroy and Europe Ryder Cup Team React to Sir Alex Ferguson's Pep Talk
Sir Alex Ferguson treated Europe's Ryder Cup team to an inspirational pep talk ahead of USA's visit to Gleneagles, a chat which had a profound effect on Manchester United fan Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy, who paraded the Claret Jug at Old Trafford during the Red Devils' Premier League defeat to Swansea in August, was left in a daze by the former United boss. Derek Lawrenson of the Daily Mail reported the world No. 1's comments:
"It was certainly the highlight of the week so far. I was in this sort of trance listening to everything he was saying and thinking, 'This is the sort of stuff that he used to say to all the great Man United teams over the years.' It was a great evening.
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McIlroy offered further detail, saying Sir Alex revealed how United "went about making Old Trafford a fortress and coping with being the favourites," a tag Paul McGinley's European squad is currently having to deal with. Ferguson told the continent's players this pressure is something they should "embrace" according to McIlroy, per Lawrenson.
Paul Kelso, Sky News' sports correspondent, offered a jovial dig at the current United squad, who threw away 2-0 and 3-1 leads to lose 5-3 against Leicester on Sunday:
The Red Devils have rarely impressed since Ferguson's departure at the conclusion of the 2012-13 season, which saw the Scot lead his team to their 20th English title.
David Moyes' tenure failed to gain momentum before his sacking saw Louis van Gaal take the hot seat. Right now, United are 12th in the Premier League after winning one game from their first five.
Ferguson's stern, authoritarian approach is famous across the world. His willingness to never give up provided United with a reputation for late comebacks, none more stunning than the 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final.
The former manager's legendary tenure ensures he is revered beyond the walls of Old Trafford. While the Ryder Cup team is largely made up of golfers who support United's rivals, Sergio Garcia still found value from listening to Ferguson speak, per Lawrenson:
"Obviously I am a Real Madrid fan and probably not his (Ferguson's) biggest fan in the world, but I think when you have the possibility of listening to somebody that has been up there in sports and been able to perform at a really high level for that long, it's always interesting to kind of pick his brain and see what things he's gone through.
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Europe have won the last two Ryder Cup events and will be confident of defending their title in Scotland. Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal led the Europeans to victory in 2010 and 2012 respectively, with the Americans' last victory coming in 2008.
The U.S side last experienced victory away from their home turf in 1993 at The Belfry, underlining the task at hand for Tom Watson's men. As an interesting subplot, the 65-year-old just so happened to be captain during that competition in Warwickshire.
Marginal advantages could make all of the difference during this year's showdown.
Ferguson's speech will have drilled into the European team that they are favourites for a reason, and that holding such expectation shouldn't be a burden. Instead, Europe must use this position of power to set an early pace, which could see the U.S. crumble before any momentum is gained.
Even if things go badly for the hosts, Ferguson's session with the squad will aid their ability to launch a turnaround.
Golf, like football, is often defined by those who can keep their cool at significant moments. Whether's it's remaining calm to slot home a last-minute winner or sink a vital putt, the mental toughness of each side will go a long way to defining who lifts the famous Ryder Cup trophy.
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