In between a plethora of titles, tungsten triumphs and the relentless theatre of elite darts, reigning World Champion Luke Littler has never hidden where his sporting heart truly lies. The UK media are never slow to combine viewer power and so sought our The Nuke’s views on his beloved football side’s current situation
Beneath the floodlights of the oche beats a fervent allegiance to Manchester United, and speaking exclusively to BetMGM, headline sponsor ahead to the 2026 Premier League Darts curtain raiser in Newcastle, Littler delivered a verdict as emphatic as any 180.
The Red Devils’ managerial turbulence has dominated discourse in recent months, culminating in the departure of Portuguese tactician Ruben Amorim. Warringtonian Littler, never one to dance around a double, was unequivocal.
“With the results Ruben Amorim had, I think he had to go. Michael Carrick has obviously come in and what he has done so far has been incredible.”
It is the kind of blunt appraisal usually reserved for post-match darting autopsies, yet the decorated teenager conviction mirrors his approach on stage – decisive, unflinching, and rooted in outcome. In his eyes, sentiment could not supersede results. Evolution was mandatory.
Into the breach stepped Michael Carrick, the understated custodian now entrusted with steadying a ship that had veered off course. And for The Nuke, his teams transformation has been both tangible and exhilarating.
“We need to keep it up now and, if we do finish in a Champions League spot, keep him for next season, bring some new signings in and back him.
“Of course, he doesn’t have a lot of experience in the Premier League or the Champions League. That isn’t everything and the way the team is playing at the moment, he is improving the players.
“Look at Patrick Dorgu, for example. He looks a different player at left wing than he did in Amorim’s system, much improved.
“The team as a whole is getting even better and if we keep going the way we are, hopefully we can secure Champions League football.”
There is, in Littler’s words, a discernible belief – not merely in tactical recalibration, but in psychological rejuvenation. Confidence restored. Structure rediscovered. Momentum reclaimed.
“If Carrick does get United Champions League football he has to get the job permanently for me. He’s done an incredible job so far against some very good teams and the players are so much more confident.
“If things continue and the results stay positive, I think it will be very hard for the board not to appoint him.”
It is rare that the world’s most composed darting prodigy sounds so impassioned, yet on this subject the conviction burns brightly. Just as the World Champ thrives under pressure, he sees a manager doing the same – and in football, as in darts, credibility is forged not in theory, but in results.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
