Rory McIlroy And Tyrrell Hatton Among Star Names At Liverpool V Manchester United Game
The two European Ryder Cup heroes were in attendance at Anfield to watch their respective teams in Premier League action


Avid soccer fans, Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton were in attendance at Anfield on Sunday for the world-famous Liverpool versus Manchester United fixture in the Premier League.
McIlroy is a boyhood Man United supporter while Ryder Cup teammate Hatton has followed Liverpool since he was young. The pair were invited along with the Ryder Cup trophy at the weekend, months after they helped defeat Team USA 16.5 - 11.5 at Marco Simone.
Ahead of kick-off, two of Sky Sports' leading pundits - Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, both former players of Liverpool and United, respectively - asked the two golfers for their views on the upcoming match.
Unlike McIlroy, Manchester United had struggled to find a consistent level of form in recent months and began the match eighth in the 20-team table.
Asked by Neville if McIlroy held any hope of a win for his club against their great historic rivals, who remain in the Premier League title race, the Northern Irishman said: "I think so. You're just looking for a spark, right? You're just looking for something to get the team going.
"Whether it happens today or maybe somewhere down the line, you need to have hope. You need to have hope and feel like you can turn things around. Tyrrell and I have been through that in golf, and anyone who's played sport at a high level [knows] you go through some of these dips in confidence. All you need is one little spark to get you going again, so hopefully that's today for United."
"They haven't got a clue what they want" 😂Tyrrell Hatton and @Carra23 🆚 Rory McIlroy and @GNev2 ahead of Liverpool vs Man United... pic.twitter.com/MJ20eCnwU9December 17, 2023
Meanwhile, Hatton's team turned up at Anfield knowing they could once again move to the top of the Premier League with a win - a result they had managed in four of their previous five domestic matches under manager Jurgen Klopp.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Holding the Ryder Cup in his arms, Hatton responded to Carragher's question about what he expected to happen. The professional golfer said: "I think we've got good reason to feel confident - certainly a lot more confident than these guys! I'm hoping for a big win this afternoon."
Hatton went on to reveal that the last time he watched Liverpool in person, they beat Spanish giants Barcelona 4-0 to overturn a first-leg deficit in the Champions League. McIlroy, on the other hand, last saw United play away against Liverpool in 2007 when a John O'Shea goal helped Sir Alex Ferguson's team win 1-0 late on.
LIV Golfer Jon Rahm takes the ceremonial kick-off at Athletic Club's San Mames before their La Liga fixture against Atletico Madrid
The Ryder Cup pair's appearance at their favorite team's match follows on from Jon Rahm taking the ceremonial kick-off at his beloved Athletic Club's 2-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
McIlroy and Shane Lowry had also watched Ireland's rugby union team at the World Cup in France shortly before Team Europe's success in October.
Looking for the perfect gift for the festive season? Check out the best Golf Gifts for Christmas.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
LIV Golf Masters Form Guide - How Well Have The 12 Men In The Field Been Playing Ahead Of Augusta?
Some doubts have been cast on how well the 12 LIV Golf players in the Masters field have been performing ahead of Augusta National, so let's take a look at their form
By Paul Higham Published
-
Under Armour Drive Fade Golf Shoe Review
The Under Armour Drive Fade starts at less than £100, but what's the catch for such a well-priced golf shoe?
By Dan Parker Published
-
Masters Champions Detail What Rory McIlroy Has To Do To Buck The Trend And Win At Augusta At His 17th Attempt
Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia have detailed what Rory McIlroy has to do to finally win The Masters at what will be his 17th attempt
By Paul Higham Published
-
'The First True Legend Of The Post-Tiger Woods Era' - NBC Analysts Pile Pressure On McIlroy With Bold Claims About His Masters Chances
NBC Sports analysts Rich Lerner, Paul McGinley and Brandel Chamblee revealed they all have the highest expectations for McIlroy at The Masters in 2025
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rory McIlroy's Masters Odds Slashed Despite Northern Irishman Complaining Of Minor Elbow Issue
The Northern Irishman is being heavily backed by golf fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland ahead of his latest attempt at completing the career Grand Slam
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rory McIlroy Reveals Issue With Right Elbow Ahead Of Latest Masters Challenge
The four-time Major winner revealed to the Golf Channel he has discomfort in his right elbow, less than two weeks before his latest attempt to win the Green Jacket
By Mike Hall Published
-
‘You Don’t Want 10-Year-Old Kids Punting Their Putters Across The Green Every Time They Miss A Putt’ - Rory McIlroy Says Tour Pros Have ‘Responsibility’ To Set Good Example After Recent Viral Clips Showcasing Players’ Frustrations
Speaking at the Texas Children's Houston Open, McIlroy explained how displaying emotion on the course shows the pros 'are human', but there's also a 'responsibility to set an example'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'The Loss Of A Few Trees Is Definitely Noticeable' - Rory McIlroy On What He Learned From Augusta National Practice Round Ahead Of 2025 Masters
The four-time Major winner made a trip to Augusta National earlier this week in preparation for The Masters
By Elliott Heath Published
-
‘Give The Lad A Break. He’s A Very Good Caddie. Harry, Don’t Read The S****’ - Billy Foster On Critics Of Rory McIlroy’s Caddie
The experienced looper has spoken out and defended McIlroy's caddie, Harry Diamond, with Foster claiming the 'criticism is not fair at all'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rory McIlroy’s Caddie Harry Diamond May Have Earned Almost $900,000 In Bonus Money Already This Year (More Than The PGA Tour Average) After World No.2's Strong Start
McIlroy has picked up two wins so far in 2025 and could well have shared a decent portion of his winnings with long-time assistant, Diamond
By Jonny Leighfield Published