05 January 2024 , 13:29
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Darts wonderkid Luke Littler couldn’t stifle his laughter after being asked about his beloved Manchester United.
The 16-year-old captured the imagination of the Alexandra Palace over the past month. He enjoyed a dream run to the PDC World Championship final, only to become unstuck against Luke Humphries - the latter winning 7-4 following a sensational comeback.
Darts is not Littler’s only sporting love however. He is an avid football fan and supports United. The teenager received messages of support from a host of past and current Red Devils stars during his recent heroics - including Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Luke Shaw.
Speaking to Littler on Sky Sports, presenter Emma Paton asked while chuckling: "Luke, you've got messages from David Beckham, Luke Shaw, Gary Neville. It's no secret you are a Manchester United fan, what do you make of their season?"
Littler then cheekily replied while also breaking into a laugh himself: "Why you laughing? Why you laughing?"
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He then followed up with his assessment of United’s difficult campaign - a season in which they have lost nine out of their opening 20 Premier League games and been eliminated from the Champions League. Littler added: "It's been difficult with the injuries we've got and everyone's saying Ten Hag out and this and that. But I say give him time and when the players are all back fit let's see who he chooses."
Luke Littler shot to fame during the recent PDC World Championship (Getty Images)How will Luke Littler do in the Premier League? Share your thoughts in the comments section
Littler was then asked what he would do if he was in charge of the Red Devils after previously admitting he played as them on Football Manager. He had one big signing in mind.
He replied: "To be fair, I didn't even know how to buy players, so I just kept the same line up. We’ve just signed Rasmus Hojlund for loads of money, but I’d probably go and get (Victor) Osimhen from Napoli. One of the big ones."
Littler is not the only one in his close circle invested in football. His girlfriend Eloise Milburn is a Crystal Palace fan. The 21-year-old has however bought Littler a Red Devils’ themed gift in the aftermath of his run to the PDC World Championship final. “It’s been crazy,” he revealed.
“I was watching [United] on the TV and now they watch me on the TV as well! It’s crazy that they’re watching me. My girlfriend got us a stadium tour for two people, so I’ll be doing that when we can.”
Despite his United loyalty, Littler was spotted with Tottenham ’s James Maddison to watch the London side's victory against Bournemouth.