Man Utd fan Luke Littler to visit Old Trafford after Darts World Championship with cheeky message for Ten Hag’s flops
LUKE LITTLER heads to the Theatre of Dreams when his Ally Pally fairy tale is over and he says: Maybe I can show Manchester United how to win some trophies…
The kebab-loving 16-year-old has become the most famous teenage on the planet right now after racing into the fourth round of the PDC World Darts Championship.
The dream could all end at the hands of either Raymond van Barneveld or Jim Williams come Saturday night.
Or he could continue this incredible run by reaching the quarter-finals on New Year’s Day – where he would be just TWO WINS away from making the final.
Win or lose this weekend, the United fan – who bagged a career-high £35,000 this week – will visit Old Trafford at some point in the New Year thanks to a special present he received last Monday.
Littler, who broke down in tears with his mum after beating Matt Campbell, explained: “For Christmas, I got stuff for my Xbox, a controller, some gift cards and two tickets for the Manchester United stadium tour.
“So I will go to that after the Worlds.
“I’ve never done Tour before. Just watched a few games there.”
When it was put to him that he might end up going with the Sid Waddell Trophy in his old school satchel, he replied: “Hopefully I’ll show them how to win one!”
Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as manager in 2013, United have fallen in the shadow of noisy neighbours City and won just four major trophies – one FA Cup, two League Cups and the Europa League in 2017.
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In comparison, Littler has more silverware on his mantelpiece at home in Warrington – two JDC world titles, one world youth crown plus victories in the Modus Super Series.
However, taking the scalp of Barney – one of his biggest heroes – on the oche would mean more than winning any of those pots in his formative years.
The Dutchman beat Phil Taylor in sudden-death action at the Circus Tavern to win his fifth world crown on January 1, 2007, just 20 days before Littler was born.
Littler, nicknamed Luke The Nuke, said: “He’s another one of my idols.
“When I was 18 months old, I was practising on my magnetic board, and I’d always do Barney’s iconic celebration. There’s a video of me on YouTube at that age.
“I have always looked up to him. When I was younger I listened to his walk-on. It’d be unbelievable if he could get over the line.
“It would be crazy to think – him, with five world titles, playing against me. It’d be just unbelievable.
“But Jim has knocked out Peter Wright. They’re both on good form, so it should be a good game.”
Littler, the youngest darts player in history to make the last 16 of the Worlds, continues to rack up the followers on X and Instagram with each success.
His fame already seen him receive messages from a few youngsters from the United squad as well as members of the Warrington Wolves rugby league side.
Every time he wins, Littler heads out with his family and manager for a celebratory kebab which is full of Donner meat, lettuce and mayonnaise.
A kebab firm got in touch with his manager after the opening-round win over Christian Kist and asked if they could sponsor him – negotiations remain ongoing.
His pre-match routines involve listening to music – American rapper Flo Rida is his favourite – and a combination of aiming for doubles plus checkouts 81-100, 120 and 170.
Littler’s rise is the biggest thing to hit the sport since the emergence of the First Lady of Darts Fallon Sherrock in 2019 but not everyone is pleased to be asked about him.
Three-time world darts champion Michael van Gerwen is in the unusual position of being overshadowed by this teen as they both remain in the hunt for the £500,000 top prize.
And Mighty Mike, albeit with tongue firmly in cheek, quipped: “Of course he’s a fantastic player but he has won f***-all at the men’s (level) yet!
“If you look talent-wise, I think I was slightly better at the same age. But he doesn’t care whoever he plays and that’s what I admire of him. He’ll win lots of tournaments in the future, 100 per cent.”