At just 18, darts prodigy Luke Littler has not only taken the sporting world by storm with his precision on the oche but has also emerged as one of Manchester United’s most vocal supporters. The world champion, fresh off a narrow 11-8 defeat to rival Luke Humphries in the Premier League Darts final on May 29, 2025, has ignited a firestorm among fans with his unwavering defense of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Amid swirling rumors of a potential £100 million move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, Littler delivered a blunt message to his beloved club, dismissing speculation about Fernandes’ departure as a “shambles” and making it clear he wouldn’t trade the Portuguese star for any of Europe’s top midfielders.
Littler’s passion for Manchester United runs deep, a lifelong devotion that began when he was just five, watching Robin van Persie’s hat-trick against Aston Villa secure the Premier League title in 2013. Now, as United navigate a turbulent season—marked by a Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur and financial pressures that could force significant squad changes—Littler’s outspoken loyalty to Fernandes has resonated with fans and sparked debate. In a recent talkSPORT interview, the darts sensation was presented with a star-studded list of potential swap deals for Fernandes, including Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, Arsenal’s Declan Rice, Manchester City’s Rodri, and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham—all valued at £100 million or more. Littler’s response was immediate and unequivocal: “No” to every single name. “Oh come on, he’s not that good!” the presenter quipped, prompting laughter but also highlighting Littler’s steadfast belief in Fernandes’ irreplaceable value.
Fernandes, who turns 31 in September 2025, has been a cornerstone of United’s squad since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2020. With 290 appearances, four Player of the Year awards (matching the club record held by David De Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo), and consistent performances as the team’s top scorer and assist provider this season, his impact is undeniable. Manager Ruben Amorim has praised Fernandes as the “perfect captain,” emphasizing his commitment and availability. “We need more Brunos,” Amorim once declared, underscoring the midfielder’s ability to single-handedly influence matches. Yet, with United facing financial constraints and Al-Hilal’s lucrative offer—potentially making Fernandes one of the world’s highest-paid players—the club is at a crossroads. Littler’s stance reflects a sentiment shared by many fans: losing Fernandes would be catastrophic.
The young darts star’s connection to United runs beyond fandom. He has mingled with players, sharing a now-deleted Instagram plea for David De Gea’s return after a goalkeeper error and exchanging messages with Harry Maguire and Mason Mount. “When Maguire scored the winner against Lyon, I put on my Instagram, ‘Can you wear the No.9 shirt?’ and he replied with laughing emojis,” Littler revealed, showcasing his playful rapport with the squad. His visit to Old Trafford in January 2024, where he met Sir Alex Ferguson and received a personalized “The Nuke 180” shirt, further cemented his bond with the club.
Critics, including United legend Roy Keane, have questioned Fernandes’ leadership, citing his emotional displays as a drawback. “As a player, yeah, but as a captain…” Keane remarked on The Overlap, prompting Littler to counter, “Since he’s joined, there’s not been a No.8 better.” The teenager’s loyalty has not gone unnoticed, though some fans have mocked his “clueless” devotion, arguing that United must consider cashing in on an aging star to fund a squad overhaul. Al-Hilal’s £100 million bid, coupled with a reported £80 million offer from The Athletic, underscores the financial allure of a move, especially as United aim to rebuild under Amorim’s vision.
Littler’s comments come at a pivotal moment for United, who are grappling with the aftermath of a Europa League final defeat and the absence of midweek European fixtures next season. “I do think next season it’s going to help us, obviously not playing midweek,” Littler said, suggesting a lighter schedule could aid recovery and consistency. Yet, the potential loss of Fernandes, who offered to personally fund staff benefits for the FA Cup final, looms large. “I have always been honest,” Fernandes said. “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is.” For Littler, however, the message is clear: Fernandes is United’s heartbeat, and no swap deal, no matter how glittering, can replace him.
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