Rory McIlroy tells hilarious story of how Roy Keane brutally rejected him when he was 12

Golf star Rory McIlroy has told a hilarious story of how Manchester United legend Roy Keane rejected his attempt for an autograph when he was 12 years old.

McIlroy, a four-time major winner and one of the most successful golf players currently active today, is also a big United fan, and was interviewed on the Old Trafford pitch last month by Sky Sports.

The 34-year-old revealed in the summer that he turned down the chance to be part of a consortium investing in Leeds due to his support of the Manchester club.

That support dates back to the days of Roy Keane and Gary Neville - which made him an ideal guest for the latest episode of 'Stick to Football' alongside the United duo, Arsenal legend Ian Wright and Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher.

And Neville prompted McIlroy to recall the autograph story, which occurred when Keane was playing for the Republic of Ireland national team.

You can watch the clip below.

"I was down at Portmarnock Links Hotel (in Dublin), and the Irish team were staying," McIlroy said on The Overlap's Stick To Football podcast, provided by Sky Bet.

"I saw one of my Man United legends in the lobby and asked him for an autograph. He looks over and goes, 'Not today, kid.' I was like, 'Okay...'"

Keane, though, still doesn't recall the moment, and replied: "I'm still going to fight my corner over this.

"It depends on the timing, if you're in the zone or where you are mentally.

"I feel bad, if that is 100 per cent true. I wouldn't just snub a little kid."

He then laughed: "F***ing hell, give me a break. I'm just thinking I must have been..."

Wright then said: "Normal Roy," as the whole panel burst into laughter."

And McIlroy concluded the anecdote by revealing: "It's fine, I've gotten over it. We've made up now, and we're best of friends."

All's well that ends well.

Rory McIlroy was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.