Darts legend Phil Taylor has warned Luke Littler to avoid getting ‘Manchester United’ syndrome.
The 17-year-old sensation has enjoyed an incredible 2024, finishing runner-up in his first World Darts Championship before winning the Premier League, World Series Of Darts and Grand Slam Of Darts.
Now Littler is competing in the 2025 World Championships at Ally Pally in the hope of going one better than last year.
One man who knows what it takes to dominate darts is Taylor, who won 16 world titles in his much-decorated career.
The Power even had some words of wisdom for Littler while explaining why he expected him to do extraordinary things in the sport.
Taylor said: “Luke’s emergence has been absolutely brilliant. I love the way he walks up there. He isn’t interested in money.
“He’s interested in titles. He’s interested in enjoying himself. If he doesn’t win, he isn’t a sulker.
“He doesn’t throw his toys out of the cot. He just gets on with it and the next one.
“What Luke has to be careful of is: ‘Don’t be complacent.’
“I used to call it the ‘Manchester United syndrome’. Because United never got an easy game.
“I never got an easy game as everybody tried their best against me.
“Whoever plays Luke will either play brilliantly or play poorly. There will be no middle section.
“They will go up there and try their socks off. Because one, they will earn good prize money and secondly, they’ll make a big name for themselves.”
Asked if his record of 16 world titles will remain untouched, Taylor said: “I hope so. You never know. You never know. It wouldn’t bother me if it got beaten.
“It can get beaten. If anything Luke has the age on his side.
“It’s loads harder now. I probably won 10 world championships with the schedule not half as busy as it is now.
“I’ve had more publicity since Luke Littler became world runner-up and won tournaments than when I was winning myself.
“Every time I click on Google News, I’m on it. It’s great.”
Where to buy Luke Littler’s darts range
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Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler has released a collection with Target Darts, with prices starting at just £14.95.
Choose from darts, hardware and accessories endorsed by the Grand Slam of Darts Champion 2024, or pick up The Nuke’s purple playing shirt, on the Target Darts website.
Highlights include: