In the electrifying world of darts, Luke Littler, the 18-year-old sensation known as “The Nuke,” has captured hearts with his precision on the oche and his unwavering loyalty off it. A lifelong Manchester United fan, Littler recently revealed a private gesture of support that underscores his deep connection to his boyhood club. Amid a turbulent season for the Red Devils, Littler reached out to midfielder Mason Mount, offering words of encouragement as the 26-year-old battles to revive his faltering career at Old Trafford. This heartfelt exchange, coupled with a humorous interaction with defender Harry Maguire, paints a vivid picture of a young sports star bridging the gap between darts and football fandom.
Littler’s rise to global fame has been nothing short of meteoric. Since bursting onto the scene at 16 with a stunning run to the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship final, he’s clinched the 2025 world title, the Premier League, the Grand Slam of Darts, and the UK Open, amassing a net worth exceeding £1.5 million. Yet, his passion for Manchester United remains a constant. “It’s not been right for many, many years,” Littler admitted, reflecting on United’s struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. The club’s 2024-25 season, marked by a 15th-place Premier League standing under new manager Ruben Amorim, has tested even the most devoted fans. Despite the gloom, Littler’s optimism shines through, particularly in his support for Mount.
Mount, who joined United from Chelsea for £55 million in 2023, has endured a nightmare spell, plagued by injuries and inconsistent form. In 41 appearances, he’s scored just twice, with his latest goal coming in a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Brentford in May 2025. Littler, sensing Mount’s struggles, sent a private Instagram message to the England international. “I recently messaged Mason Mount on Instagram just to say it was good to see him back in training again,” Littler shared. “We bought him and thought he’d be great, but he’s had a few injuries. I’d love to see him get into the starting team and score goals.” His wish partially came true when Mount started against Brentford, netting the opener in his fifth league start of the season—only his second goal for United.
Littler’s interactions with United players extend beyond Mount. After Harry Maguire’s last-gasp header secured a Europa League semi-final spot against Lyon, Littler posted on Instagram, “Can you wear the No.9 shirt?” The cheeky suggestion, referencing United’s need for a prolific striker, drew a playful response from Maguire, who replied with laughing emojis. “I don’t really speak to them [players],” Littler clarified, emphasizing the rarity of these exchanges. Yet, his connections run deep. He’s faced off against United stars at the Carrington training ground, where players like Wout Weghorst and Darren Fletcher showcased their darts skills, and received messages of support from club icons like Luke Shaw, Rio Ferdinand, and Gary Neville during his 2024 World Championship run.
United’s woes have often fueled Littler’s darts success. After a 3-0 FA Cup loss to Fulham spurred him to the UK Open semi-finals, he remarked, “In the second break I heard about the Manchester United loss so it spurred me on a bit, won the next five.” Similarly, a 4-3 collapse against Chelsea in 2024 fired him up to win a Premier League Darts night in Manchester. “We were winning 3-2 and we conceded a penalty and then Cole Palmer scored again,” he recalled. “I was in a bad mood, I was like, ‘I’m winning this now’.” His loyalty was on full display when he paraded the Sid Waddell Trophy at Old Trafford, though a 3-0 defeat to Brighton dampened the moment. “It was great, apart from the result,” he said, noting the 40,000 fans who stayed to see the trophy.
Littler’s support for United extends to transfer ambitions. He’s urged the club to pursue Barcelona’s Dani Olmo on a six-month loan and even called for David De Gea’s return during Andre Onana’s shaky form. “Bring back Dave,” he posted, later deleting the message. He’s also backed striker Rasmus Hojlund, believing better service could unlock the Dane’s potential. “I do have high hopes for us in the Europa League this season,” Littler declared, eyeing silverware despite United’s 27-point deficit to league leaders Liverpool.
As Littler prepares for his next darts challenge, his bond with United remains unbreakable. From messaging Mount to joking with Maguire, he’s more than a fan—he’s a beacon of hope for a club in turmoil. His words to Mount, simple yet sincere, reflect a young star’s belief in second chances, both on the pitch and beyond.
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