Fervent Manchester United fan Rory McIlroy revealed he’s been overwhelmed to receive messages of congratulations from some of the greats of the Manchester United Football Club.

Heading the messages was Manchester’s long-time manage Sir Alex Ferguson along with Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.

McIlroy also disclosed how excited he was to receive ‘voice message’ from Australian great, Greg Norman who had dominated the World Rankings for 331 weeks in the early to late ’90s.

“I got messages from Fergie and I got one from Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, a few of the United boys,” said McIlroy. 

“I mean, I got‑‑ I got a lot.  Greg Norman sent one to me.  He left me a voicemail and a message.  He said some very complimentary things.  He left me a voicemail after the Match Play, as well, last week, didn’t get a chance to catch up with him, but that was very nice of him to reach out.  There was a lot. 

“Again, just nice people just to congratulate you and give their words of support and encouragement.”

Indeed, McIlroy matched Norman in winning five tournaments as Norman achieved before turning 23 as McIlroy will early in May.

McIlroy headed straight for New York after his two shot Honda Classic success where he joined girlfriend and former World No.1 Caroline Wozinacki at Maddison Square Garden, and where McIlroy endeared himself to everyone present by taking on Russian great Maria Sharapova and winning their only point.

And in travelling to the ‘Big Apple’ McIlroy indicated he was able to let soak in the enormous bite he’s taken in becoming the second youngest ever World No. 1.

“There’s a couple of times on Sunday night when I was flying up to New York where I just was sort of sitting there on the plane and reflecting on the day and reflecting on the last couple of weeks where I obviously had a chance to do it in Arizona and didn’t quite, and was able to do it the next week”, he said.

“And in the way that I did it on Sunday with Tiger making the charge, it was almost more satisfying to do it that way, knowing that I held up under pretty intense pressure when I needed to;

“Tiger posting a score and having to just play some smart and solid golf on the way in to finish off, and I was able to do that.

“And closing out tournaments and knowing what you need to do at the right time all just comes with experience. 

“I feel like I’ve had a lot of experiences where I could have won tournaments and I haven’t, and it’s taking what you need from those close finishes and trying to do something a little bit better. 

“What saved me on Sunday was my short game and my putting.  I made some really key up‑and‑downs when I needed to and held a couple of really crucial putts, and that was the difference from maybe 18 months ago.”