Alex Ferguson time inspired Rory McIlroy’s Ryder Cup showing at Gleneagles

Rory McIlroy has paid tribute to the role Alex Ferguson played in motivating him above all others on the European team at last September’s Ryder Cup.

As members of the victorious 2014 team were honoured on Tuesday night at the European Tour Players’ Awards for their 16½-11½ victory over the United States at Gleneagles last autumn, they were joined on stage by the former Manchester United manager, who had addressed them before the matches at the request of Europe’s captain.

McIlroy, speaking yesterday on the eve of his BMW PGA Championship title defence at Wentworth following a Pro-Am round with One Direction’s Niall Horan and Manchester United heroes Paul Scholes and Phil Neville, said such recognition for Ferguson was “very fitting”.