Rory McIlroy could have been lining up alongside Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria for Manchester United if golf's world No1 had fulfilled his boyhood dream.
McIlroy – a lifelong United fan – is currently preparing for the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles where he will be aiming to help Europe to defend the title they won in miraculous fashion at Medinah in 2012.
The Ulsterman has enjoyed a stunning year which has included a return to the top of the world rankings and two Major victories; the Open Championship and the PGA Championship.
While McIlroy is expected to play a pivotal role for Team Europe, he has revealed that he dreamed of winning Premier League titles instead of Ryder Cups as a young boy.
"I think every little boy has a dream of being a professional footballer," McIlroy said when on Sky Sports' Goals on Sunday.
"I definitely imagined myself in the back garden scoring a goal for Manchester United.
"I like to play on the left wing and cut in. I've got a bit of speed."
Given United's plethora of attacking options, McIlroy might have found it tough to fit into Louis van Gaal's side, although if the four-time Major winner fancied himself as more of a defender, he may still have half a chance!
