Rory McIlroy reckons his Manchester United have got more chance of winning at Arsenal today than he has of lifting a fifth Hero Dubai Desert Classic title. And the Ulsterman admitted he is a "very pessimistic fan”.

The Masters champion missed a two-foot tiddler at the last hole at the Emirates Golf Club to trail leader Patrick Reed by a massive 11 shots going into the final round. The LIV Golf star is still in a different league this week.

Asked to choose the most likely Sunday winner between himself and the Old Trafford club after his 71, McIlroy smiled: “I would say Manchester United, and that's from a very pessimistic fan!

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"Another Michael Carrick miracle? I would hope so. But shooting a 63 would give me half a chance maybe. But I just want to go out and play a good round of golf tomorrow and end the week on a positive note.

"It's January. So sort of working my way back into form a little bit. Yeah, it's okay. It's not exactly where I want it to be. It's early.“

After his Augusta triumph last April, McIlroy was asked if he would be taking his Green Jacket to Old Trafford. “If I can inspire some better play, absolutely,” he laughed. He was then invited by Ruben Amorim, who was fired earlier this month.

McIlroy and leader Reed were involved in Tee-gate here in 2023 at the height of tensions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

The American flicked a LIV-branded tee at McIlroy after the Ulsterman had ignored him on the driving range.

Today they will be kept well apart with the 2018 Masters champion taking a four-shot lead into the final round on 14-under par after his 67.

He is seeking his first DP World Tour win since the Hong Kong Open in November 2024 - while the $1.53m first prize will take care of his fine for playing on the Saudi-backed tour this year.

“You're always excited, showing up on Sunday with a lead,” said the American. That's what I feel like all of us live for as players, competitors, to have a chance to win on Sundays and just battle out with all the guys. Hopefully at the end I will be holding the trophy.”

Fellow LIV Golf star David Puig sits second after his 66 with Viktor Hovland a shot further back following his bogey-free 65 despite still struggling with his swing. The Norwegian took the title here in 2022 when he came from six shots back in the final round and then won a playoff. “It’s not over until it’s over,” he said.

Andy Sullivan is level with Hovland on nine-under par after his 71. Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton fell out of contention with a 76.