Luke Littler has been inundated with messages of support from some of the biggest names in sport – including Man Utd icon David Beckham.
Luke Littler revealed what David Beckham said to him when the Manchester United legend slid into his Instagram direct messages. The former England captain was one of many high profile sports figures to reach out to the 17-year-old darts sensation during his run to the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship.
Despite losing 7-4 to Luke Humphries in the final, Littler enshrined himself as one of the most popular and exciting sports stars in the country. He has gone from strength to strength since then, winning the Bahrain Darts Masters immediately after his defeat at Alexandra Palace.
Last week he completed his biggest achievement to date by winning the Premier League Darts finals. He did so by defeating old adversary Humphries in the final, adding a new chapter in the epic battle between the pair.
Littler’s sky-rocketing fame has led to many messages of goodwill from big names in sport. However, it was an Instagram direct message from ex-England captain that truly stunned the youngster.
When questioned on the MMA Hour about which celebrity message had taken him by surprise, Littler responded: “It’s Beckham. He sent me a message. He just said, ‘Well done on the world championships’ and he was like, ‘Once a red, always a red’.”
Despite being too young to have seen Beckham during his prime at Old Trafford, Littler is closely involved with the current squad. In the same interview, the rising darts star shared memories of meeting his footballing idols when visiting Carrington, reports the Mirror.
I met them at the training ground, it was crazy. McTominay and Maguire, they were the big ones who were excited to see me,” he disclosed. “It’s just like Rashford walking past me, shaking his hand. Martial, Varane, Casemiro and I’m just like what’s going on? I got a signed shirt off Garnacho.”
Littler, had a whirlwind week with Manchester United’s FA Cup victory following closely on the heels of his own triumph. Despite the potential for fanfare, he chose to steer clear of the Wembley clash due to the anticipated overwhelming attention.
Intriguingly, he is adamant that Erik ten Hag should continue as United’s manager into the next season. “I’d want him to stay no matter what. Even if we lost,” Littler state
If you look down the line of managers we’ve had like Louis van Gaal who won the FA Cup and then got sacked after a season, I think Mourinho’s the only one who had two to three years. David Moyes, he only had 10 months.
“So I just think we [should] keep him. Because we’re getting these managers for a year or two and they’re not doing anything. So if we give them time things might change. I like what he does. Just give him time. Give him next season and if he doesn’t do owt, let him go.”