Darts prodigy and lifelong Manchester United fan Luke Littler recently shared his thoughts on the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach, while also taking the opportunity to poke fun at Liverpool. Littler, a rising star in the darts world at just 17 years old, revealed he was among the thousands of United fans who closely tracked Amorim’s flight from Portugal to Manchester, signifying the intense anticipation surrounding the managerial change at Old Trafford.
Amorim, who formerly managed Sporting CP, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to take charge of the Red Devils, following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal last month. United’s struggles this season have been well-documented; the team found itself languishing in 13th place in the Premier League standings ahead of the November international break. Although interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy managed to steady the ship to some extent, the club’s decision to appoint Amorim is being viewed as a bold move to rejuvenate their campaign.
Amorim’s appointment has been met with renewed interest from fans and pundits alike, as he was previously linked to high-profile managerial positions at both Liverpool and West Ham within the last year. His decision to join Manchester United, despite the other offers, has sparked conversation about the club’s prospects under his leadership.
Littler, who is currently competing in the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, spoke to Sky Sports about his excitement and curiosity regarding United’s new direction under Amorim. In characteristic fashion, Littler couldn’t resist a playful dig at Liverpool, hinting that Amorim’s choice to lead United over potential roles with their rivals was a sign of the club’s appeal. “I was, on the little flight radar. It was the No.1 tracked flight with like 6,400 people,” Littler recounted, referring to the widespread fan interest in Amorim’s journey to Manchester. “I’ve been focusing on both… mostly this!”
When pressed for his thoughts on Amorim’s potential impact, Littler was candid but optimistic. “I don’t know whether he’s going to do a [good] job, but we’ve got him in for some reason,” he admitted. “Obviously, he didn’t want to go to Liverpool last season or West Ham either, so he chose us.” Littler’s remarks reflect the mixture of hope and skepticism among the United faithful, who are eager to see if Amorim can deliver the results the club desperately needs.
Littler’s passion for Manchester United extends beyond casual support; the teenager’s success on the darts circuit has given him opportunities to engage with the club on a personal level. He first gained widespread recognition during his impressive showing at last year’s PDC World Championship, a breakthrough that led to an invitation to meet United’s first-team players at their Carrington training complex. Littler fondly recalls the experience, which cemented his love for the club and allowed him to witness the inner workings of the team he has supported since childhood.
Earlier this year, Littler enjoyed VIP treatment at Old Trafford, where he attended United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham. The highlight of the visit was meeting legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, a figure synonymous with United’s golden era. “Meeting Sir Alex was a dream come true,” Littler said. “He’s a legend, and getting to chat with him was surreal. It made me appreciate just how special this club is.”
United’s appointment of Amorim is seen as a potential turning point, especially given the challenges the club has faced in recent months. Amorim brings a fresh perspective and a track record of success with Sporting CP, where he guided the Portuguese club to a league title and earned a reputation for tactical innovation and nurturing young talent. His approach could prove vital as United seek to reestablish themselves as a dominant force in English football.
For Littler and other devoted United fans, the hope is that Amorim’s tenure will mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with success and stability. However, the path ahead will not be easy. The club’s current position in the league table, combined with ongoing financial fair play allegations and the pressure of living up to its storied history, presents a formidable challenge for the new manager.
Despite the uncertainty, Littler’s playful jab at Liverpool underscores the enduring rivalry and passion that define English football. United fans, like Littler, remain hopeful that Amorim can bring a renewed sense of pride and purpose to Old Trafford. “It’s been tough, but we’ll see what he can do,” Littler remarked. “United is all about rising up when people doubt us. Hopefully, this is the start of something special.”
As the 17-year-old continues his own journey in darts, he will be watching closely to see how Amorim’s United story unfolds. Whether the new manager can deliver success remains to be seen, but for Littler and the rest of the United faithful, the anticipation is palpable. With Amorim at the helm, the club is ready to embark on its next chapter, and fans are eager to see what the future holds.