'I think it’s going to be very tough' - Luke Littler shares concerns over Manchester United's decline in form

Whilst Luke Littler may be thriving on the oche, his football team, Manchester United, are struggling, currently languishing 14th in the Premier League after losing 3-0 to their bitter rivals, Manchester City, on the weekend. Despite the performances, Littler backs the manager through this tough spell.

The reigning World Champion is an avid Red Devils fans, even having the chance to parade the Sid Waddell trophy around Old Trafford shortly after he made history by becoming the youngest World Champion at just 17-years-old, defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in an ominous and controlled display.

He has since added the UK Open and World Matchplay titles to his major collection, previously laying hands on the Premier League and Grand Slam. He has endured a breathtaking rivalry on stage with Luke Humphries, and is now the massive favourite to head into the 2026 World Championships as the number one-ranked player, leap frogging his compatriot.

However, while Littler reigns supreme at the top, his beloved Manchester United continues to decline. After finishing 15th last season, they went and lost the Europa League final to fellow English team Tottenham Hotspur. Without Europe, they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup to fourth-tier team Grimsby Town in a seismic shock, and have only mustered up one win from their opening four league matches this season.

Despite this horrendous period, Littler continues to back the manager Ruben Amorim, stating he needs time and that the players are the problem.

In an interview with the Daily Star Sport, Littler said: “Well, obviously looking back on it I thought we could get a result. Obviously not. But it’s United. Obviously people are saying ‘Amorim out’ but you’ve got to look at the players. Some of them don’t fit the system, I don’t think. I think it’s going to be very tough but as long as we get into the top-eight Conference League, that’s what I’m hoping for.”

Man United have a tough test on the weekend, hosting Chelsea in what is set up to be a thrilling game. Littler will no doubt be following the progress of his beloved team, but has different priorities, as he traverses along with many of the best players in the world to Budapest to compete in the Hungarian Darts Trophy.

Last year's event saw a record three nine-darts pinned, as Michael van Gerwen clinched the title with a ton+ checkout in a last-leg decider against fellow Dutchman Gian van Veen. Littler will be hoping to add his name to the roll of honour, already winning two of the four European Tour events he has competed in this year.