Darts prodigy and passionate Manchester United supporter Luke Littler has offered his take on the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. Amorim, who made headlines with his move to Manchester on Monday, is stepping in to replace Erik ten Hag following United’s rocky start to the season. The Portuguese coach, known for his tactical prowess, had been courted by several clubs, including Liverpool and West Ham, but ultimately decided to leave Sporting Lisbon mid-season to take the reins at United.
At just 17 years old, Littler is making waves in the world of professional darts and is currently competing at the prestigious Grand Slam of Darts. Amid his own high-stakes matches, Littler found himself being quizzed about his thoughts on United’s new managerial appointment. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of his final group-stage game on Tuesday night, the young darts sensation admitted that he remains cautiously optimistic about Amorim’s potential impact. “I’ve been focusing on both… mostly this!” Littler joked when asked if United’s latest managerial drama had distracted him from his quest for victory in Wolverhampton.
“I don’t know whether he’s [Amorim] going to do a job, but obviously we’ve got him in for some reason,” Littler said, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Amorim’s move. “He didn’t want to go to Liverpool or West Ham; he chose us.” His comments reflect the sentiments of many United fans who are eager for a turnaround but remain wary of further disappointment.
Amorim’s arrival has certainly stirred excitement among the fanbase. The 39-year-old flew into Manchester accompanied by five members of his coaching staff, touching down on Monday afternoon before meeting with senior United officials at the Carrington training complex. The new manager’s journey was closely monitored by eager supporters using flight-tracking apps, with as many as 6,400 people tracking his trip from Lisbon to Manchester. Among them was Littler, who revealed that he had been glued to his screen, eager to see Amorim begin his work at the club he holds dear.
However, Littler had his own business to attend to on Tuesday night. Competing at the Grand Slam of Darts, he faced off against seasoned competitor Lourence Ilagan after winning his first two group-stage matches. The rising star spoke with confidence and determination before stepping up to the oche, saying, “I can just play with absolute freedom tonight. I know I could get an even better leg difference. I’ll try to get another good average in, and hopefully, it’ll be three out of three.”
True to his word, Littler delivered a stellar performance, securing a 5-3 victory over Ilagan. The match showcased his impressive talent, as he came tantalizingly close to hitting a nine-dart finish — a feat that remains one of the sport’s rarest and most celebrated achievements. His dart at double 12 narrowly missed, drawing gasps from the crowd, but he shrugged it off with characteristic poise. Despite the near-miss, his win ensured he topped Group F and progressed to the last 16 of the tournament in Wolverhampton.
Littler’s success in darts serves as a testament to his focus and drive, even as he follows the dramatic developments at Old Trafford. His enthusiasm for both his sport and his beloved United highlights the unique crossover between sports fandom and professional athleticism. For Littler, Amorim’s tenure at United represents a new chapter filled with promise and unpredictability — much like his own burgeoning career.
The stakes are high for Amorim as he takes over a squad grappling with inconsistency and a demanding fanbase. Expectations will be immense, especially considering his decision to leave a stable position at Sporting Lisbon. His reputation for tactical flexibility and developing young talent offers hope, but whether he can bring stability and success to a struggling United side remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Littler’s journey in the Grand Slam of Darts continues to captivate fans. His confident displays, combined with his candid take on Manchester United’s managerial shake-up, have endeared him to many. As he prepares for the knockout stages, he carries the hopes of darts fans and fellow United supporters eager to see both his career and their club’s fortunes rise. Whether discussing the pitch or the oche, Littler embodies the passion and optimism that define dedicated sports fans — a spirit that resonates with many during these pivotal moments for both Manchester United and darts.