Man Utd and Harry Maguire send brilliant messages as Luke Littler wins Prem Darts final and prepares to watch FA Cup
HARRY MAGUIRE put his Wembley heartbreak aside to lead the well-wishes to Manchester United-supporting darts sensation Luke Littler.
The 17-year-old Luke the Nuke became the youngest-ever Premier League Darts champion last night.
Littler broke down in tears as he scooped a £315,000 prize following a 11-7 victory over world No.1 Luke Humphries in the O2 Arena final.
His stunning nine-darter, which came after a quick bathroom break, was the first to occur in a Prem final since the legendary Phil Taylor struck two in 2010 against James Wade.
The most famous darts player on the planet received £275,000 for this stunning triumph and will also collect a £40,000 bonus for the four nightly victories, which saw him top the table.
The teen roared at the doubters he had silenced as he collected the pyramid-shaped trophy.
Littler then shared several snaps of himself on Instagram celebrating after last night’s success and captioned them with: “PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPION!!!!!”
Along with a clapping and trophy emoji, United commented on his post with a message that read: “Incredible performance, Luke.”
Then defender Maguire, who will miss the FA Cup against Man City tomorrow through injury, got involved.
Littler and Maguire threw arrows together at the Red Devils’ training ground back in February.
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And the cheeky England ace could not resist jokingly trying to take some of the credit.
The 31-year-old Maguire shared a picture of Luke the Nuke lifting the trophy in front of the jam-packed O2 crowd.
Next to a laughing and clapping emoji, he wrote: “Ever since I shown him how to play he’s not done too bad.”
He then added: “Unbelievable @lukethenukelitter crazy talent.”
Meanwhile, Littler revealed that he ditched his usual habit of picking up the Fifa console during the hour-long break before the final and went on the practice board instead.
He said: “I’m just enjoying it at the moment and we’ll see what the future brings.
“I was watching this at home on the telly 12 months ago.
“It’s been a crazy six months. I’d get stopped a lot in the street but that’s all part of it and I imagine that will happen a bit more now!
Inside Littler's massive rise
LUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship.
The Nuke reached the final on his Ally Pally debut at just 16 years of age – smashing records along the way.
He has since joined Jude Bellingham on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list.
And the teenage titan even had to snub an invite from the WWE.
The Sun exclusively revealed that Littler is plotting to create a fitness empire.
He is also cashing in away from the Oche thanks to an Instagram side hustle.
And he’s even the face of a brand new cereal.
The wonderkid has now cemented his place among the tungsten elite by winning the Premier League Darts final – and the £275k top prize.
Check out all of our Luke Littler stories here.
“Tonight was probably the most I’ve practised in a long time. I’m very proud of my achievements – the practice has paid off.”
Regarding his love of United, Littler revealed this week that he wanted Erik ten Hag to stay as manager of the Red Devils.
The Dutchman led the club to their worst-ever Premier League finish and they will have no European football next term unless they overcome the odds to tomorrow to beat City.
Pressure is mounting on their boss, but Littler told The Football Museum Podcast: “I want to keep him, yeah. I just don’t see anyone who could come in.
“Obviously we’ve had people saying [Gareth] Southgate and Graham Potter. I’ve seen Potter turned down Ajax – so I just hope nothing comes to us!
“But I’m definitely ten Hag in for next season.”
Pundits' verdict on Ten Hag's future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future?
Michael Owen – He has to go
“He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
“If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”