Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler is set to parade his World Championship trophy at Old Trafford following his stunning victory over Michael van Gerwen, reports say.
The 17-year-old world champion is expected to showcase the Sid Waddell Trophy during Manchester United’s home clash with Brighton on January 19.
The planned celebration is scheduled to take place the day after Littler returns from competing at the World Series of Darts event in Bahrain, according to The Sun.
Littler has been a lifelong Manchester United supporter and has previously enjoyed VIP access to the club’s facilities.
Luke Littler is the man of the moment after he beat Michael van Gerwen to win the World Darts Championship last week
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Last year, he watched a 2-2 draw with Tottenham from the directors’ box, where he met legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The young champion has also visited United’s Carrington training ground, where he participated in a nine-dart challenge alongside Harry Maguire and Christian Eriksen.
Speaking about the planned trophy parade, Littler expressed his enthusiasm: “Obviously, I’d love to take it there.”
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Luke Littler has been invited to Old Trafford following his World Darts Championship win
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“If they allow me to, then I am sure I will go to Old Trafford.”
The teenage champion drew inspiration from fellow darts player Michael Smith, noting: “I saw Michael Smith did it with the world title when he went to St Helens rugby league club.”
Littler’s triumph has drawn widespread support from Manchester United players past and present.
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Harry Maguire responded to Friday night’s victory with a one-word post that simply read: “Ridiculous.”
Marcus Rashford also shared a photo of himself with Littler from their previous meeting at United’s training ground at a time when the England international is struggling for game time.
The teenage champion has also previously received good luck messages from current players Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans, as well as club legends Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville.
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Before playing darts professionally, Littler had a background in football, playing as a centre-back in his youth.
At age 10, his father asked him to choose between football and darts as his primary sporting focus.
Luke Littler was too strong for Michael van Gerwen in last week’s World Darts Championship showdown
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The young champion has developed a notable connection with his childhood idol David Beckham.
The pair now regularly communicate through direct messages on Instagram, with Beckham following the darts star back on social media after being called out at last month’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.
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