Darts prodigy Luke Littler, a passionate Manchester United fan, is making waves at the Grand Slam of Darts, having progressed into the last-16 of the prestigious tournament in Wolverhampton. The 17-year-old’s exceptional performance in the competition has captured the attention of both the darts world and United supporters alike. But behind his impressive achievements on the oche, Littler’s pre-match routine is anything but conventional, with his love for Manchester United playing a surprising role in his preparations.
Littler, one of the youngest stars in the world of darts, has quickly become a sensation in the sport, and his participation in the Grand Slam of Darts is a testament to his rapidly growing reputation. The tournament, offering a hefty £150,000 prize, is one of the biggest events in the darts calendar, attracting top players from across the globe. Despite his youth, Littler has shown maturity and composure beyond his years, making it out of the group stage in impressive fashion. His victory in the group stage even saw him outshine his friendly rival, Luke Humphries, who was eliminated from the tournament.
In a sport where focus and preparation are paramount, Littler’s pre-match rituals are intriguing. As it turns out, the teenager has a unique way of preparing for his darts matches—by immersing himself in the world of football, specifically by following the fortunes of his beloved Manchester United. While most athletes in his position might focus entirely on their game, Littler has a more personal way of gearing up for battle.
For his match against Lourence Ilagan in the Grand Slam of Darts, Littler turned his attention away from the dartboard, even if just for a moment, to follow the journey of a plane. Not just any plane, mind you, but the flight of Ruben Amorim, the newly appointed manager of Manchester United. Amorim, the Portuguese coach, was making his way from Lisbon to Manchester to officially begin his tenure at Old Trafford after taking over from interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. Littler, ever the devoted United supporter, was one of thousands of fans tracking Amorim’s flight in real-time.
When asked if he was following the flight radar to monitor Amorim’s journey, Littler confirmed, saying: “I was, on the little flight radar. It was the No. 1 tracked flight with like 6,400 people!” His enthusiasm was evident as he added, “[I was] focusing on both [Amorim’s flight and darts match]… mostly this [facing Ilagan].”
While this may seem like an unusual pre-match distraction for a high-stakes darts match, Littler’s connection to Manchester United runs deep, and his passion for the club is something he proudly shares with his fans. The arrival of Amorim, who officially began work on Monday, has been met with great anticipation by United supporters, who are hopeful that the 39-year-old can bring stability and success to the club after a tumultuous start to the Premier League season.
Amorim’s appointment had been confirmed a couple of weeks prior to Littler’s match, but United fans had to wait for the coach to complete his final duties with Sporting CP before making the move to Manchester. As many Red Devils supporters have pointed out, Amorim had been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool before the summer, but it was ultimately United who secured his services. His decision to join United instead of the Merseyside club has generated considerable interest, with fans eager to see what impact the young tactician will have at the helm.
Littler, ever the insightful football fan, wasn’t shy about offering his thoughts on Amorim’s arrival. He expressed a sense of cautious optimism, admitting that he wasn’t entirely sure whether the new coach would be successful, but acknowledging that his appointment had the potential to bring positive change. “I don’t know whether he is going to do a job, but we’ve got him in for some reason,” Littler said. “Obviously he didn’t want to go to Liverpool last season, or West Ham either, so he chose us.”
The teenager’s perspective highlights the mixed feelings some fans have had about Amorim’s arrival. There is an undeniable sense of hope, but also a degree of uncertainty. Amorim’s success at Sporting CP, where he won several trophies and developed young players, has given United supporters a reason to be hopeful, but the pressure to deliver immediate results at Old Trafford is immense. Littler’s acknowledgment of this uncertainty reflects the cautious optimism that many fans are feeling as they await Amorim’s first steps in charge.
For Littler, football is more than just a side interest. His connection to Manchester United is evident in the way he celebrates his passion for the club, often sharing moments with the team. Earlier this year, Littler had the opportunity to meet the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United’s iconic former manager. The young darts star also made a special appearance at Old Trafford, sitting in the VIP section during United’s match against Tottenham, further cementing his status as a true fan.
While his love for Manchester United is undeniable, Littler’s main focus remains his darts career, and he is continuing to make strides in the world of professional darts. His victory against Lourence Ilagan on Tuesday night was a testament to his skill and resilience. The match, which saw Littler narrowly miss out on completing a perfect nine-darter, ended in a 5-3 win for the young talent, securing his place in the last-16 of the Grand Slam of Darts. This victory was especially significant as it marked his continued ascent in the tournament, which boasts some of the best players in the world.
As Littler advances in the Grand Slam of Darts, it’s clear that his unique combination of sports passions and dedication to his craft is a winning formula. His ability to focus on the task at hand while also indulging in his personal interests, such as tracking Ruben Amorim’s flight, shows a level of balance that many athletes strive for. Whether it’s preparing for a high-profile darts match or keeping an eye on the latest developments at Old Trafford, Luke Littler is proving that passion, both for his sport and his football team, is an essential part of his success.
As he continues to navigate his career in the world of darts, Littler’s journey is one to watch. With his undeniable talent, unwavering dedication, and infectious personality, the 17-year-old is bound for even greater things, both in darts and as a proud Manchester United fan.