At just 18, Luke Littler, the darts prodigy known as “The Nuke,” has already etched his name into sporting history as the youngest-ever PDC World Darts Champion. A diehard Manchester United fan, Littler’s passion for the Red Devils is as fierce as his precision on the oche. However, with United on the cusp of the 2025 Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain, Littler faces a dilemma that pits his love for his team against his professional commitments and financial sensibilities. The teenager recently revealed his reluctance to splurge on a private jet to attend the match, a decision that underscores his grounded nature despite his meteoric rise and estimated £1.5 million fortune.
Manchester United, under the stewardship of manager Ruben Amorim, have roared into the Europa League semifinals with a commanding 3-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao after the first leg. The stage is set for a potential showdown against Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur on May 21, a spectacle that could see United lift their first European trophy since 2017. For Littler, the chance to witness his beloved club in a European final is a dream, but a clashing Premier League Darts event in Sheffield the following evening complicates matters. “I have been looking at flights—but I’ll go only if I’m allowed,” Littler admitted, his tone reflecting both longing and pragmatism. “Even if I don’t go, I’ll obviously watch it. I don’t think a PJ [private jet] is worth it.”
Littler’s connection to Manchester United runs deep. The Warrington native has been a vocal supporter, often weaving his fandom into his darts narrative. Earlier this year, he revealed how United’s heartbreaking FA Cup defeat to Fulham fueled his drive to clinch the UK Open title. “In the second break I heard about the Manchester United loss and it spurred me on a bit,” he said, recalling how he stormed to victory against Jonny Clayton and James Wade. His loyalty has also seen him invited to United’s Carrington training ground and Old Trafford, where he paraded his World Championship trophy to roaring crowds. Yet, the logistics of jetting to Bilbao—potentially costing tens of thousands for a private flight—have given him pause, especially with a crucial darts match looming.
The darts sensation’s frugality is striking for someone who has banked over £315,000 from his 2024 Premier League Darts triumph alone, including a nine-dart finish in the final against Luke Humphries. Littler’s wealth could easily fund extravagant travel, but his roots in Warrington keep him grounded. “I just want to sit down and hopefully watch United win the trophy,” he once said of his hopes for United’s FA Cup final, a match he ultimately watched from home for safety reasons after his Premier League success. His decision to forgo a private jet reflects a similar caution, balancing his passion for United with the demands of a burgeoning career that shows no signs of slowing.
Littler’s journey from teenage prodigy to global sports icon has been nothing short of remarkable. Since bursting onto the scene at the 2024 World Darts Championship, where he reached the final at 16, he has amassed 12 PDC titles, including the 2025 World Championship. His charisma and talent have drawn comparisons to sporting greats, with analysts like Wayne Mardle praising his unconventional approach: “He’s opened my eyes up. He’s not sticking to convention.” Off the oche, Littler’s love for United has endeared him to fans, from his cheeky social media jabs at rivals Liverpool to his now-deleted Instagram plea for the return of club legend David De Gea during a Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen.
As United chase European glory, Littler’s dilemma resonates with fans who understand the pull of loyalty versus practicality. The Europa League final offers more than just silverware; a victory would secure United a Champions League spot, a financial lifeline worth up to £85.8 million in prize money and matchday revenue. Amorim, who has revitalized United since replacing Erik ten Hag, emphasized the stakes: “It is more about the budget.” For Littler, the match represents a chance to see his heroes—players like Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund—cement their resurgence. Yet, his commitment to darts, a sport that has made him a millionaire, takes precedence.
Whether Littler watches from Bilbao or a television in Sheffield, his support for United will be unwavering. “I genuinely believe we can win it,” he said earlier this year, expressing optimism about United’s European campaign. As he prepares for his next darts showdown, Littler embodies the spirit of a fan who dreams big but stays true to his roots, proving that even a world champion can keep his feet firmly on the ground.
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