Fergie helped Rory get over Masters pain

RORY McILROY received “a very long text message” from Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson following his final round collapse at the US Masters.

McIlroy, a lifelong fan of the Red Devils, led for the opening three days at Augusta before slumping to a tie for 15th following a Sunday afternoon meltdown.

McIlroy last night revealed the contents of the communication from the legendary boss: “He told me to trust my friends, to trust my family, to listen to them because they’re the ones who are going to be looking out for you more than anybody else. It was very similar to what he said to David Beckham in ‘98 when he was being hounded by the British media after getting sent off in the World Cup against Argentina.