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    Luke Littler parades World Darts Championship trophy at Old Trafford weeks after Man Utd superfan won £500,000

    LUKE LITTLER paraded his World Darts Championship trophy in front of Manchester United fans at half-time at Old Trafford.The Nuke – the sport’s youngest world champion aged 17 – was the guest of honour for the club’s Premier League clash against Brighton.Luke Littler paraded the World Darts Championship trophy in front of Manchester United fansLittler walked to the edge of the half-way line pitch-side and lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy three times above his headCredit: RexLittler was the guest of honour for the club’s Premier League clash against BrightonCredit: ReutersThe darts world champion joined United’s mascot Fred the Red at the breakCredit: RexLittler hinted that he’ll lift the trophy at Old Trafford before he beat Michael van Gerwen in the finalCredit: ReutersThe United faithful serenaded him with his iconic chantCredit: PALittler is a Man Utd superfanCredit: INSTAGRAMThe Warrington ace, a Man Utd super-fan, showed off the silverware to the 75,000-strong crowd at half-time, with the score at 1-1.Littler beamed as he walked to the edge of the half-way line pitch-side and lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy three times above his head.The United faithful serenaded the teenage sensation with his iconic chant, while TV cameras zoomed in.Littler, sporting jeans and a padded black coat, then gave one final lift, turning to both the Stretford End and East End, before heading back to his seat.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe world No.2 was crowned the youngest ever world champ on January 3 after beating Michael van Gerwen in the Ally Pally final.It was moved from the pre-game to avoid a clash with the emotional tributes to former United and Scotland striker Denis Law.United paid a heart-warming tribute to 84-year-old Law, whose death was announced on Friday.Scottish bagpipes played out “The Flower of Scotland” as the United’s starting line-up walked slowly next to Brighton’s XI.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the Red Devils players on the pitch failed to live up to the memorable occasion.United fell behind thanks to Yankuba Minteh’s opener, before Bruno Fernandes equalised for the hosts after Joshua Zirkzee won a penalty.Watch moment Luke Littler stuns Micah Richards into silence with brutal ‘I am the man’ jibe And were pegged back again in the 53rd minute after Joao Pedro made it 2-1, before VAR disallowed it for a controversial foul.But the Seagulls did eventually find themselves ahead seven minutes later through Kaoru Mitoma.Littler is set to meet with Ruben Amorim and United’s squad post-match.On Tuesday, he will turn 18 and then a few days later, he will travel to Den Bosch in Holland for the two-day Dutch Darts Masters.He flew home on Saturday from the Middle East after losing to Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals of the Bahrain Darts Masters.Twelve months ago – the month in which he lost the 2024 world final to Luke Humphries – he watched a 2-2 draw with Tottenham from the United directors’ box.On the VIP visit, he met legendary boss Sir Alex Fegruson backstage and posed for a photo.Luke Littler prize money breakdownHere is all the prize money Luke Littler has won so far after being crowned 2025 PDC World Darts Championship winner:World Championship 2025 – £500,000World Championship 2024 – £200,000Grand Slam of Darts 2024 – £150,000European Tour – £91,000Player Championships events – £71,500Players Championship final runner-up – £60,000UK Open 2023 + 2024 – £17,500World Matchplay – £10,000World Grand Prix – £7,500European Championship – £7,500(Unranked) Premier League Darts – £315,000TOTAL: £1.43 million More

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    Amorim using Luke Littler’s incredible history-making triumph as motivation for his under-performing Man Utd flops

    RUBEN AMORIM urged his Manchester United flops to use Luke Littler’s world darts triumph to hit the bullseye against Liverpool.United travel to the Prem leaders on the back of four successive defeats — and without a goal in their last three.Luke Littler is at the top of his game – sadly Man Utd are miles off theirsCredit: GettyRuben Amorim wants his United stars to take inspiration from the teenCredit: ReutersHarry Maguire congratulated Littler on his victoryCredit: GettyBut Amorim, who has made the worst start of any United boss in 93 years, gave his team a rousing Luke The Nuke-inspired team talk at training yesterday.An Old Trafford insider revealed: “Ruben is well aware of the Herculean task in front of him and his players — not just today.“He wants the team to start channelling the same self-belief Luke showed in Friday’s world final.“Luke was unstoppable because he was determined to win.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“The players need to show the same courage against Liverpool.“They’re all pretty close to Luke and know victory against Liverpool would cap the most memorable weekend for their most famous fan.”United stars exchanged messages after watching Littler’s crushing 7-3 victory over three-times world champion Michael van Gerwen on Friday.Defender Harry Maguire, 31, congratulated Littler on his sensational win.Most read in FootballMan Utd fan Luke Littler triumphed in the World Darts Championship final on FridayCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLuke Littler prize money breakdownHere is all the prize money Luke Littler has won so far after being crowned 2025 PDC World Darts Championship winner:World Championship 2025 – £500,000World Championship 2024 – £200,000Grand Slam of Darts 2024 – £150,000European Tour – £91,000Player Championships events – £71,500Players Championship final runner-up – £60,000UK Open 2023 + 2024 – £17,500World Matchplay – £10,000World Grand Prix – £7,500European Championship – £7,500(Unranked) Premier League Darts – £315,000TOTAL: £1.43 millionHe posted a picture of the teenager with his trophy and wrote: “Ridiculous. Congratulations Luke the Nuke.”Littler became the youngest ever world darts champ with his phenomenal Ally Pally triumph.‘Don’t come here no more’ – Luke Littler’s darts coach reveals why they had to ‘get rid of him’ from the academy at 13The 17-year-old now wants to parade the Sid Waddell Trophy at Old Trafford. He said: “If they allow me to, then I’ll go.”Meanwhile, Amorim has promised he WILL get it right at United.He said: “I’m giving everything to help the club and we are going to succeed.“That is hard to understand in this moment but we ARE going to succeed.”And Amorim loved the way United fans stuck with his side during the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on December 30.The Portuguese manager said: “What happened in the second half was unbelievable.“To be really honest I think Newcastle turned off a little bit, but the supporters were amazing.“I cannot ask anything from the support, other than maybe a little bit more patience.“They’ve had a lot during these last few years.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I can’t say anything to the supporters. I know they are tired of this moment.“We need to do our job to help the supporters – and I will do my best.” More

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    Kyle Walker tells Sky Sports ‘get this man on more often’ as he sits next to ex-Prem star at world Darts Championship

    KYLE WALKER told Sky Sports to “get this man on more often” as he sat next to an ex-Premier League star at the darts.England star Walker took time away from Man City’s dismal season to enjoy the action at the World Darts Championship last night.Kyle Walker had a message for Sky Sports as he enjoyed a night at the dartsCredit: RexWalker came off the bench as Man City beat Leicester on SundayCredit: GettyThe ace was all smiles at Ally Pally as he watched Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler seal their places in the quarters.But despite being a high-profile visitor, Walker still engaged in the popular fan banter that has made darts one of the most popular sports around.Many supporters love attending in fancy dress.While others choose to spend their time downing beer and singing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Walker instead opted to join in with another fun activity.Like many around him, he grabbed a blank piece of cardboard before writing a message on it.Holding it up to the camera, Walker revealed it read: “Sky, get this man on more often please.”The person in question turned out to be none other than former footballer Michael Brown.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ace played for numerous teams in the Premier League including Tottenham, Fulham, Wigan and Portsmouth.After retiring in 2018, Brown now works as a pundit.Kyle Walker and ex-lover Lauryn Goodman in fresh row over intercom security system at her £2.4m homeWalker was sat next to former Premier League star Michael BrownBrown played in the Premier League for numerous teams including PortsmouthCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe is often found on BBC Sport and even had Walker on his latest podcast.Man City’s right-back was in fine spirits after coming off the bench in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Leicester.The victory was just the second in City’s last 14 matches.Walker will now be hoping to start in Saturday’s home clash against West Ham.And City can perhaps get their season back on track with favourable fixtures against Salford City, Brentford and Ipswich afterwards.World Darts Championship – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the Ally Pally extravaganza…All the info: News, features and interviews: More

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    Kyle Walker enjoys night at World Darts Championship after failing to buy Christmas gifts for kids with Lauryn Goodman

    KYLE WALKER enjoyed a night at Ally Pally to watch the World Darts Championship.The Manchester City captain headed to the Palace to watch on as Luke Littler took to the oche in darts’ premier competition.Kyle Walker attended the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra PalaceCredit: ReutersWalker watched on as stars like Luke Littler took to the ocheCredit: RexWalker’s night out comes after he did not send Christmas gifts to his two kids with Lauryn GoodmanCredit: PAWalker showed off a banner in the crowdCredit: RexWalker was in the crowd enjoying his night after The Sun exclusively revealed that he did not send Christmas gifts to his two kids with Lauryn Goodman.The England star, 34, missed out son Kairo and daughter Kinara for a second year despite promising friends he’d do the “right thing”.Sources have told The Sun that Lauryn was left upset by the snub.One said: “All of their mutual friends have talked to Kyle.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER“They feel really upset for the children and for Lauryn who is always trying to do right by their kids.“They were hoping Kyle would put aside his differences for the sake of the children.“But to leave them with nothing to open for another year is just really sad.”Walker landed himself in trouble at home last Christmas when chaos broke out between himself, Lauryn, and his then-pregnant wife Annie Kilner.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalker missed out son Kairo and daughter Kinara for a second yearCredit: Instagram @lauryngoodman91Lauryn Goodman was said to have been upset by the snubCredit: RexLauryn broke the news of her second child with Kyle on December 27 in a text to Annie — leading to a huge public feud.Walker has been having a tough time on the pitch too, with Man City struggling for form and currently sixth in the Premier League table.Roy Keane fumes at ’embarrassing’ Kyle Walker dive during Man City’s clash against Man UtdThe Champions have won just TWO if their last 14 matches in all competitions.While Walker himself has struggled for game time, leading to speculation over his future at the Etihad Stadium.But the veteran right-back seems to have found the time to relax at Ally Pally with the darts after City returned to winning ways against Leicester on Sunday.Life on the pitch isn’t going well for WalkerCredit: GettyThe defender was able to unwind at the dartsCredit: GettyKyle with his estranged wife Annie More

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    James Maddison hits back at Tottenham fan who complained he went to World Darts Championship with brutal four-word reply

    JAMES MADDISON has hit back at a fan who criticised him for attending the World Darts Championship last night.The Tottenham star, 28, came off the bench as his side drew 2-2 with Wolves on Sunday afternoon.James Maddison and Brennan Johnson headed to the darts on Sunday eveningCredit: RexMaddison and Co had drawn 2-2 with Wolves earlier in the dayCredit: ReutersAfter the game he headed to Alexandra Palace to take in the darts.Alongside Brennan Johnson, who scored in Sunday’s match, Maddison watched on as Peter Wright upset reigning champion Luke Humphries.The Official PDC Instagram account posted snaps of Maddison and Johnson in attendance.They captioned it: “From football to the darts!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne account, named “spursynews” took exception to Maddison and Johnson’s outing.They commented: “U taking the p***? The form were in and U go to the darts?? Unacceptable.”Maddison swiftly shrugged off the criticism.He hit back, alongside a laughing emoji: “shut up u wally.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaddison has been a substitute in Tottenham’s last two games.The England international replaced Johnson on 64 minutes yesterday, but could not help Spurs see out the win.Tottenham fans protest ‘Levy out’ with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool lossHe has scored eight goals in 19 Premier League appearances this season, also laying on four assists.Tottenham have collected just one win in their last seven games, and are winless at home in their last five in the league.Their slump has seen them fall to 11th in the table, one point closer to the relegation zone than the top four.After the draw with Wolves, boss Ange Postecoglou said: “It hurts me because I’m responsible ultimately. I’m the person in charge. So of course it hurts.”When I see how hard they are trying, it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward and I think today they deserved a reward for their efforts even though they were dipping into their reserves of energy, which I don’t even know where they got from.”I wanted them to get a reward for their efforts.”It hurts immensely. At the same time it’s my responsibility for where we’re at right now and it’s my responsibility to try to get us out of it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFollowing a busy period, Spurs players have been given Monday and Tuesday off.They will be back in action on Saturday, when they welcome Newcastle to North London.World Darts Championship – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the Ally Pally extravaganza…All the info: News, features and interviews: More

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    James Maddison and Brennan Johnson grin at World Darts Championship hours after Tottenham draw left Postecoglou ‘hurt’

    JAMES MADDISON and Brennan Johnson were spotted enjoying the darts at Ally Pally just hours after Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Wolves.Ange Postecoglou’s men conceded a late equaliser in North London, before the Australian coach confirmed his struggling stars were “hurting”.Brennan Johnson and James Maddison were at the darts on Sunday eveningCredit: PAIt came just hours after the pair played in Tottenham’s draw with WolvesCredit: PAJohnson scored what he thought was the winner before Wolves’ late equaliserCredit: PAThe Spurs players have been given Monday and Tuesday off to recover from a demanding Christmas period – which has seen them play 10 games since November 28.And Maddison and Johnson – who scored Spurs’ second goal against the relegation battlers – shrugged off their disappointment to head to the darts to watch the likes of Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright.The pair could be seen smiling from their tables as they took in the raucous Ally Pally atmosphere.Maddison, 28, is known as a big fan of the sport – and often mimes throwing a dart after scoring a goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it has been a difficult time for Spurs following just one win in seven Premier League games.After the match, Postecoglou said: “It hurts me because I’m responsible ultimately. I’m the person in charge. So of course it hurts.”When I see how hard they are trying, it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward and I think today they deserved a reward for their efforts even though they were dipping into their reserves of energy, which I don’t even know where they got from.”I wanted them to get a reward for their efforts.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWorld Darts Championship – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the Ally Pally extravaganza…All the info: News, features and interviews:”It hurts immensely. At the same time it’s my responsibility for where we’re at right now and it’s my responsibility to try to get us out of it.”The Spurs boss also explained why he is giving the players two days off.Tottenham fans protest ‘Levy out’ with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool lossHe added: “It was always planned. We knew this is the first week where we don’t have a midweek game, so I think the whole group probably needs a couple of days just to get away from everything and recover.”It’ll do them good to have a couple of days to themselves with their families and give them a chance to recover mentally as much as physically.”Spurs have now failed to win at home in their last five league games – an unwanted feat not managed since 2008.While seven wins in 19 league games means they are a point nearer to the relegation zone than they are to the top four.Yet Postecoglou still believes his side can achieve something in the league this season.The Aussie, whose team are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals and still in Europe, added: “I just feel that at some point we’ll get a relatively healthy squad and when we do that we’ll be able to perform at a high level consistently and we’ve already shown this year we can beat anyone.”There’s a chance there you can go on a run.”But at the moment that’s secondary to the first bit, we have to try to get some support for the players – both mentally and physically and in terms of numbers to give them the opportunity to play at their best.”Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur is now banned for Saturday’s hosting of Newcastle after a needless foul in stoppage time on Rodrigo Gomes earned him his fifth yellow card of the season.Had he waited a week, the cautions picked up in the first half of the campaign would have been wiped.READ MORE SUN STORIESPostecoglou added: “It was an unfortunate moment, didn’t really need to happen and I’d much rather he didn’t make that tackle and was available for the next game.”The players are obviously hurting, they want to turn this around and it’s not for the want of trying.” More

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    ‘Bring back Dave,’ fumes Luke Littler as he demands Man Utd re-sign De Gea after Andre Onana’s horror blunder

    LUKE LITTLER has pleaded for David de Gea to return to Manchester United after Andre Onana’s howler against Viktoria Plzen.The Cameroonian was at fault as the Czechs took the lead at the Doosan Arena before the Red Devils fought back to win.Andre Onana was at fault for Man United conceding against Viktoria PlzenCredit: AFPLuke Littler reacted to the error on InstagramCredit: Luke Littler / instagramHe revealed he wants David de Gea to return to the clubCredit: PAThe Spaniard is currently playing for Fiorentina in ItalyCredit: GettyOnana, 28, was trying to pass out from the back, but his ball to Matthijs de Ligt was too short.Pavel Sulc collected the ball and squared it to former Watford and Burnley ace Matej Vydra to score.The mistake left Man United fan Littler seething as he reacted on social media.The darts star posted a picture of his television showing the match with the caption: “Bring back Dave”. He has since deleted the post on X.READ MORE ON MAN UTDLittler, 17, was referring to goalkeeper David de Gea, who left at the end of his contract in 2023.The Spaniard was out of football for a whole season but is now playing in Italy for Fiorentina.Stats have even suggested that the De Gea is performing as one of the best stoppers in Europe.It is the latest error in Onana’s catalogue since joining Manchester United to replace De Gea.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEarlier in the same game, he clattered into Casemiro, leaving the Brazilian in pain on the ground.In the Red Devils, defeat to Nottingham Forest, Onana was beaten by an effort from Morgan Gibbs-White despite it being down the middle of the goal.Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Red Devils scrape past Viktoria PlzenOnana struggled throughout against PlzenCredit: ReutersRasmus Hojlund netted twice to spare Onana’s blushesCredit: EPABruno Fernandes defended Onana after the gameCredit: GettyFortunately, Onana was bailed out by his teammates on this occasion.Substitute Rasmus Hojlund netted twice in order to turn the match on its head.The striker benefitted after good work from Amad Diallo as he tapped into an empty net to score the equaliser.He then latched onto a clever pass from Bruno Fernandes to fire home the winner in the 88th minute.After the win, Fernandes came out in defence of Onana and insisted his error should not be “focused on”.He told TNT Sports: “We want to play from the back. Everyone knows we have to make the right decision. “Andre missed the pass, but there is nothing we should focus on. It’s not about Andre [Onana] making a mistake, we don’t look at individuals here.”It’s about all the players involved, and we have huge belief in Andre. “He knows he made a mistake, he’s a clever guy, we don’t need to tell him. He’s going to help us when playing out from the back – we trust his qualities on the ball.Man Utd ratings vs Plzen as Hojlund and Amad spare Onana’s blushes are horror showANDRE ONANA had his blushes spared by Rasmus Hojlund as Manchester United fought back to win against Viktoria Plzen.Here’s how SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson rated the Red Devils stars…Andre Onana – 4It was a very shaky start to the game in which Onana hurt Casemiro and failed to deal with the host’s crosses convincingly.He made a massive error that led to Plzen taking the lead with his poor pass, leaving his defenders with no chance of bailing him out.Diogo Dalot – 6Dalot made some decent runs forward to join in with the attacks.Defensively was fairly solid and was not often caught out.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Playing a bit more central, Mazraoui used his pace well to help out at the back.Matthijs de Ligt – 6He was sold short by Onana’s pass that led to the opener but otherwise was fine during the 90 minutes.Lisandro Martinez – 6Made himself available when Man United got forward but struggled with the physicality of the Plzen attackers.Tyrell Malacia – 6He offered very little going forward in the wing-back role as he struggled to combine with Marcus Rashford.Casemiro – 6He moved the ball forward when he could and recovered from an early blow from Onana.Bruno Fernandes – 7He was lucky to have escaped an early yellow card. Stung the goalkeeper’s gloves in the first half with a good effort.His quick thinking set up Rasmus Hojlund to fire in a late winner.Amad Diallo – 8Diallo was a rare bright spark in Man United’s attack against Plzen.It was his run that led to the equaliser, and he used his pace and skill to get past his defender.Marcus Rashford – 4Rashford was often loose on the ball and surrendered possession in the attacking third.He received the first booking of the game for a needless foul and was lucky not to be sent off in the second half before being hooked by Ruben Amorim.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Took on the centre-forward role well, held the ball up and linked up play well enough.SubsRasmus Hojlund 55′ – 8Hojlund showed his striker instincts by being in the right position to grab Man United’s equaliser.He then latched onto Fernandes’ clever pass to score the winner.Antony 60′ – 6He was involved in the equaliser by linking up with Diallo.Mason Mount 60′ – 7Made a positive impact after coming on and was unlucky not to score as he was denied twice by the goalkeeper after coming into the action.Alejandro Garnacho 80′ – N/AFailed to make a positive impact on his short spell on the pitch.Manuel Ugarte 80′ – N/AHe slotted into the midfield as he replaced Casemiro late on.”The most important thing is we had the resilience and fight to come back.”It’s something we’ve been doing for a long time. We know the goalkeepers are good on the ball, they can play. “We normally do it. It didn’t work this time but on many occasions it works.”We trust Andre to keep doing the things he thinks are best. Mistakes happen, and if mistakes happen, goals can happen.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOnana’s questionable form has even seen Man United be linked with potential replacements.AC Milan’s Mike Maignan has been tipped to be a target, but he is also liked by rivals Manchester City. More

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    ‘I can change the face of this sport’: Barry Hearn reveals failed investment that he regrets the most

    BARRY HEARN revealed his failed bid to bring gymnastics to the mainstream was his most heartbreaking investment.Hearn, 76, has taken darts, snooker, boxing, pool and tenpin bowling to new heights.Barry Hearn revealed he tried to bring gymnastics to the mainstreamCredit: PA:Press AssociationHearn’s failed attempt to boost gymnastics is his most heartbreaking investmentCredit: GettyAnd the Matchroom Sport president tried to do the same with gymnastics in 2016 but only managed to promote one event.The famous promoter claims the project, which he was very passionate about, never succeeded because of outside interference. Hearn told The Mirror: “I wanted to take over gymnastics, because I think that sport is so brilliant.”I tried two events, but then I bumped into – which I bump into quite a lot – a load of blazers [people in suits].Read More on Gymnastics”When I went into gymnastics, I did a fantastic first event. Then I thought, ‘I can really change the face of this sport’. “And then I just got knocked back [by the governing bodies], because they wanted to keep it to themselves!”I’ve had that with various blazers in various amateur bodies, and it’s very frustrating. I don’t have the time to mess about. I know what I’m doing. I’ve got a reputation built over 50 years. “I can change sports, and I can change people’s lives, but I need everyone to pull together – and so often in sport, they don’t because they’re selfish with their own positions.Most read in Athletics”The people that love their sport but have no real interest in the athletes themselves. And we come from completely different directions. We try and change their lives through money. “I love watching the Olympics, and you should be very proud if you’ve won a medal at the Olympics – but you can’t eat a medal!Barry Hearn sends warning to top darts stars that ‘little Littler Army’ is coming to dominate the sport “We are one of only three countries in the world that don’t pay a bonus for a gold medal, and I find that atrocious. Great Britain – that ‘G’ is looking smaller and smaller. So we need to look after athletes.” More