Open Championship

McIlroy to parade trophy at Old Trafford

ESPN staff

July 22, 2014

Rory McIlroy won The Open by two shots on Sunday © Getty Images

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Manchester United fan Rory McIlroy has been invited to parade the Claret Jug at Old Trafford after his famous Open Championship victory at Royal Liverpool on Sunday.

The cheers McIlroy is sure to receive at Old Trafford will contrast with the good-natured boos he earned during his victory speech on Merseyside, when he mentioned that he was a fan of Liverpool's arch-rivals United.

"Even being a Manchester United fan I got great support this week and I want to thank everyone for that," McIlroy joked.

The lifelong United supporter will most likely show off the trophy at the club's opening home game of the season, when they take on Swansea on August 16.

McIlroy, 25, became the youngest European to win three majors when he secured The Open by two shots at Hoylake on Sunday, beating Rickie Fowler and Ryder Cup team-mate Sergio Garcia.

McIlroy today met Northern Ireland's political leaders without the Jug, which he joked was in need of cleaning after it took pride of place on a Belfast nightclub table for a night of celebrations.

"I am sorry I don't have the Claret Jug, it's not going everywhere with me. It actually needs a bit of a clean after last night." McIlroy said as he was congratulated by First and Deputy First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.

"It's an amazing trophy and something that I am obviously very proud of and hopefully there are many more to come."

ESPN staff