Darts legend Phil Taylor says Luke Littler must overcome 'Man United' syndrome

Darts legend Phil Taylor has expressed support for Luke Littler to surpass his record of 16 world titles, but warned that achieving such a feat will encounter challenges akin to 'Manchester United syndrome.'

Earlier this month, Littler made history by becoming the youngest player to win the World Championship at Alexandra Palace, crowning an extraordinary debut year. Following his maiden victory, Littler considered the possibility of eclipsing Taylor's record if he maintains his hunger for success over the next several decades.

"If I want it, then I should get it," Littler told Sky Sports.

"But it's going to take quite some years to pick up the amount of trophies, not only what Michael [van Gerwen] has got, but also Phil Taylor."

And the darts legend has now responded to Littler - and offered his advice to the 17-year-old.

"If he wants to beat my world record, then he can go ahead and do it," Taylor told the PA news agency. "It's going to be difficult, to win 16 titles you are going to have to be in a lot of finals.

"It's a lot of darts, a lot of hotels, a lot of miles travelling. He'd have to play for the next 20 years to get close to my record and for 20 years he's got to be dedicated and make sure he does everything right."

He also remarked on the pressures of early success and how competitors step up their game in response. "It's difficult when you are young and you have money in the bank. I was 30 when I won for the first time, so I'd done all that before. You get what I used to call the Man Utd syndrome - and Liverpool have got it as well - where everybody raises their game against you, so you have to be at your best in every round. And it can take its toll on you. Especially when you get beaten because everyone