Luke Littler sent Man Utd challenge by Phil Taylor as darts sensation eyes record

Phil Taylor can see Luke Littler overhauling his tally of 16 world darts titles – provided he can cope with ‘Man United syndrome’.

The teenage sensation got his first Ally Pally crown on the board by blowing away Michael van Gerwen, the previous youngest-ever world champion, in the 2025 final. The recently-turned 18-year-old could get close to Taylor’s number by his late 30s or early 40s, although he’d need to spend another two decades at least at the top level.

Whether he wants to stay in the sport for that long remains to be seen. Motivation, reinvention and fending off motivated rivals will be key to United fan Littler’s longevity, according to Taylor.

“It can be done, he’s got the talent,” insists Taylor, who has stepped into punditry with the Pluto TV MODUS Super Series and World Seniors Tour since retiring last year. “It’s just whether he can keep going for as many years as I did. It’s about longevity, keeping yourself motivated.

“At his age, if I’ve got a million quid in the bank, would I want to get up in the morning and start practising? But the sky’s the limit for him.

“It’s about staying motivated now and not burning out because the schedule is crazy. Barry Hearn is really pushing hard on it. Already this year, they’ve been in Bahrain [for the World Series], there’s the Masters [from January 30 to February 2] and then the Premier League starts.”

Taylor says Littler will also have to contend with players who raise their game against him, akin to when United were dominating English football under Sir Alex Ferguson. He explains: “When I was playing, you had like Man United syndrome, where you didn’t get an easy game, everyone plays well against you.

“That’s what Luke’s going to get now. It’s whether he’s mentally