Luke Littler lifts lid on Man Utd VIP day out as darts star reveals special Denis Law moment and Alex Ferguson chinwag
Luke Littler has spoken about his visit to Old Trafford and sitting in the seat of the great Denis Law whilst chatting to Sir Alex Ferguson.
The teenager was a special guest of his beloved Manchester United during a recent match against Brighton. Littler was given the opportunity at half-time to parade the Sid Waddell Trophy to the crowd after his World Championship success at Ally Pally.
The afternoon was also emotional for the home fans as United celebrated the life of club legend and Scottish icon Law after his passing. Littler talked about showing off his special silverware to the Old Trafford faithful and said: “It was probably one of the best moments that will live with me forever and ever. It was scheduled for before kick-off. But Denis Law passed away. I was sat right behind Sir Alex and there was the empty seat there where Denis would have sat on matchday. I was chatting to Sir Alex for a little bit, which was good. For myself, it’s one of the best things I have ever done.”
The Nuke was speaking on The United Stand podcast and, when asked if he had any advice for the young players at the club, Littler said: “For myself, I just don’t listen to social media.
"That is probably one of the biggest things out there. Don’t look at anything. But, in the football world, it’s totally different, you have got to keep your head down. It’s different because when it’s a darts game, you are on your own. When it’s United, you have a whole team around you, so you have got to stick together.”
Littler doesn’t have Old Trafford numbers at his darts event, but still loves the big atmospheres which will come thick-and-fast during the Premier League, which begins in Belfast on Thursday. He said: “We play some tournaments behind closed doors, on the floor events. I think us players would rather play in front of a crowd. Us darts players and everyone knows that this is the only sport where the fans are always behind you. It does add that little bit of pressure at times.
“I absolutely love when there are tens of thousands in the arena and I can’t wait for the Premier League to begin this week. I can’t wait. Obviously, there’s a little bit of pressure there to defend the trophy, but it’s a long 16 weeks and as long as I get in the top four I go to the O2 for the semi-finals.
“When you have won a major, what I did in my first year was unbelievable for myself. Coming into my second year with all the trophies and the major titles that I have to defend, it’s something that us as dart players we know it’s coming. So we know what to expect. It’s going to be a very long year.”
As well as football recognition, Littler is being honoured by his local rugby league team Warrington Wolves. The club will rename their stadium for their opening home game of the new Super League season. Wolves, who narrowly missed out on a place in last year’s Grand Final, are renaming The Halliwell Jones Stadium as The Luke Littler Stadium for their match with Catalans Dragons on Friday February 21.
Again, he’ll parade his trophy and said: “It’s a dream come true that the club I’ve been a fan of since I was young has decided to name the stadium after me for a night. It’s an absolute honour and I can’t thank the club enough.”
