Phil Taylor can see Luke Littler overhauling his tally of 16 world darts titles – provided he can cope with ‘Man United syndrome’.

The teenage sensation got his first Ally Pally crown on the board by blowing away Michael van Gerwen, the previous youngest-ever world champion, in the 2025 final. The recently-turned 18-year-old could get close to Taylor’s number by his late 30s or early 40s, although he’d need to spend another two decades at least at the top level.

Whether he wants to stay in the sport for that long remains to be seen. Motivation, reinvention and fending off motivated rivals will be key to United fan Littler’s longevity, according to Taylor.

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“It can be done, he’s got the talent,” insists Taylor, who has stepped into punditry with the Pluto TV MODUS Super Series and World Seniors Tour since retiring last year. “It’s just whether he can keep going for as many years as I did. It’s about longevity, keeping yourself motivated.

“At his age, if I’ve got a million quid in the bank, would I want to get up in the morning and start practising? But the sky’s the limit for him.

“It’s about staying motivated now and not burning out because the schedule is crazy. Barry Hearn is really pushing hard on it. Already this year, they’ve been in Bahrain [for the World Series], there’s the Masters [from January 30 to February 2] and then the Premier League starts.”

Taylor says Littler will also have to contend with players who raise their game against him, akin to when United were dominating English football under Sir Alex Ferguson. He explains: “When I was playing, you had like Man United syndrome, where you didn’t get an easy game, everyone plays well against you.

“That’s what Luke’s going to get now. It’s whether he’s mentally strong enough, and I think he is. I used to like the tough games because it shows how good you are. I loved those games when I was playing well and they were playing well. It brings the best out of you.”

Despite his dominance of the sport for more than two decades, the Power often made subtle changes to his game to help keep himself energised and couldn’t understand why other players didn’t do the same.

“You have to keep reinventing yourself and pushing forward,” says Taylor. “I was always changing darts, flights, what I wore, my shoes. If I was playing at the Worlds, I’d take three pairs of the same shoes. I’d wear one pair one day, another pair another day.

“I never sat on my laurels. It’s like the Formula 1. If Mercedes won it this year, they wouldn’t have the same car next year, it would be a new car.

“I never understood some players, people I’ve known for 20-30 years. They’d use the same darts, wear the same shirt and everything, but never won anything. I didn’t get it. It’s how you can improve yourself. Getting a new set of darts is like having a new car, you want to out and have a drive.”

The schedule wasn’t quite as packed during Taylor’s years of domination. He adds: “I wouldn’t have played in everything. I’d pick and choose [tournaments]. That’s what Luke has got to do, all of them have.

“Michael [van Gerwen] turned down Bahrain to spend more time with his family, and it was right for him. It’s a 12-month-a-year sport now.

“It’s going to be like tennis, where players have their own crews with them. They’ll have a dietician, a personal trainer. They’ll have to do it because the money’s there.”

Taylor has been impressed with the way Littler has remained grounded despite his incredible success and stardom.

“The lad’s brilliant,” he says. “He’s a nice lad as well, Luke. He looks after his parents. He’s thoughtful and isn’t money-orientated.

“He just wants the simple things in life. He’s like a normal teenager, quiet, on his phone a lot, but nice company. I’ve met him about three times. Me and his parents text each other, they’re nice people.”

Taylor hasn’t felt the need to pass on any advice directly but would certainly oblige if asked by the family.

“I don’t give any advice,” he says. “If they ever ask for any, then I’d tell them, of course I would. I’ve said to reporters, about things I used to change to improve myself. Whether they take it on board, it’s up to them.”

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