Luke Littler shoots down dig at Man Utd straight after successful World Darts Championship
Luke Littler won the PDC World Darts Championships for the second year running on Saturday after beating Gian van Veen 7-1 in the final at Alexandra Palace
Luke Littler shot down talk of Manchester United’s championship prospects following his PDC World Darts Championship victory on Saturday. The Nuke demolished Gian van Veen with a commanding 7-1 performance to secure consecutive titles in the tournament.
The 18-year-old pocketed a record-breaking £1million in prize money as his meteoric ascent in the darting world continues unabated. Littler, a devoted United fan, predicted that Ruben Amorim’s squad would overcome Leeds United on Sunday.
Nevertheless, he swiftly dismissed a journalist’s cheeky suggestion that if Littler brought the Sid Waddell trophy to Old Trafford – having paraded it around the Theatre of Dreams last January – it might be the only piece of silverware supporters would witness this campaign.
He said: “If they invite me then I’m sure I can go along again. I wouldn’t want to be my friend here tonight, he’s going to Leeds tomorrow, six o’clock train, so good luck to him, but we’ll win tomorrow.”
The journalist at Alexandra Palace couldn’t help but take a swipe at United, quipping that it would be the only trophy supporters would glimpse at the club this season.
However, The Nuke wasn’t having any of it and responded: “Thank you mate, thank you – don’t need to hear the rest.”
Littler might get the chance to display the coveted darts trophy at one of United’s upcoming home fixtures, though he’ll need to wait until January 11 for their FA Cup clash against Brighton and Hove Albion or possibly the Manchester derby on January 17. Nevertheless, it could be a rushed schedule for Pep Guardiola’s team’s visit to Old Trafford, with Littler due to compete in the Bahrain Darts Masters.
The 18-year-old showcased the trophy last year following his victory over Luke Humphries in the final at Alexandra Palace, when he was still 17.
He got his revenge against the 30-year-old a year later, having initially captured attention as a 16-year-old prodigy.
Reflecting on that magical moment at United’s ground, he remarked: “It was probably one of the best moments of my life and will live with me forever.
“I was scheduled to parade the trophy before kick-off but Denis Law had passed away. There was an empty seat there where Denis would have sat on matchday.
“I sat behind Sir Alex Ferguson and was chatting to him for a bit, which was good. It’s one of the best things I have ever done.”
Despite United’s current struggles, Littler’s devotion to United remains unwavering, with the 18-year-old regularly taunting rivals across social media.
The teenager takes special pleasure in winding up Liverpool fans following the Anfield outfit’s dismal title defence this Premier League season. Ruben Amorim’s team triumphed over Liverpool with a 2-1 victory in October during their lacklustre defence.
Following the win, Littler took to social media and taunted: “Yanited, Yanited, Yanited. Where’s the scousers at back under your rock you go.
“Cause we are Man United and we are never going to stop.”
