TEENAGE darts sensation Luke Littler wants to show his beloved Manchester United how to win a trophy by lifting the World Championship.
The Warrington 16-year-old has taken the Alexandra Palace tournament by storm and became the youngest player to ever qualify for the last 16 when he beat Matt Campbell on Wednesday night.
Littler, who won the PDC World Youth Championship in November and JDC World Junior Championship earlier this month, would cause one of the biggest shocks in sporting history if he manages to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy next week.
The former Padgate Academy student, who received tickets for the stadium tour at Old Trafford for Christmas and messages from some of the United youth and Warrington Wolves teams, is hoping he can inspire his favourite side.
Asked whether he will be parading some silverware when he visits United’s home ground, he replied: “Hopefully I’ll show them how to win one.
“For Christmas I got stuff for my Xbox, a controller, gift cards and got two tickets for the Manchester United stadium tour so I will go to that after the Worlds.”
Littler’s life has changed immeasurably over the last fortnight as he has stolen the headlines for his performance on the Ally Pally stage.
The keen Wire fan is enjoying celebrity status, with social media taking a keen interest in Littler’s love of a kebab.
“I have been on social media for a few years and I still have my own account set up, I know what is going on on there but I tend to stay off it,” admitted Littler, who has been playing darts since he was 18 months old.
“If there is nice things my dad will say and if there are bad things he won’t mention it.
“My Instagram was on 4,000 and now it is up to 29.2k, while Twitter or X has gone up to 25 so with both I have gained 50,000 followers.”
Asked who the most famous person to message him was, he replied: “Probably JaackMaate. I have had a few of the youngsters from the Man United squad, they have been messaging me and then a few from the Warrington Wolves have been messaging me.”
And as for his go-to kebab choice, Littler added: “Doner meat, wrap with lettuce and mayonnaise.”
In the last 16 Littler awaits the winner of this afternoon's contest between Jim Williams and Raymond van Barneveld.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here