Luke Littler parades the Sid Waddell trophy around the pitch at half-time during the Premier League match at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur _(Image: Martin Rickett/PA)_
LUKE 'The Nuke' Littler enjoyed a magical moment at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
Warrington's 19-year-old darting wonder enjoyed a lap of honour during half-time of the Manchester United versus Tottenham Hotspur Premier League match.
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The ardent United fan was invited by club chiefs to parade the Sid Waddell Trophy, the magnificent silverware he won when securing back-to-back World Darts Championship titles by beating Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace in London last month.
It is the second time he has received such a reception from his fellow Red Devils supporters, having shown off the coveted prize after his maiden victory 12 months ago.
United capped the day off nicely for the world number one darts player, who has also won the World Masters and Saudi Arabia Masters this year, as they ran out 1-0 victors against Spurs to the delight of Littler who has spoken about United's managerial situation.
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It was a fourth straight victory for Michael Carrick's side, revitalised since the short-term appointment of their former midfielder and adding to triumphs against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham.
Bryan Mbeumo scored from a well-worked corner shortly after Tottenham captain Romero saw red for a reckless first-half challenge on Casemiro, with Bruno Fernandes wrapping up a deserved 2-0 victory against Carrick’s old club.
Littler has hailed the “incredible” impact made by Carrick and has called for the club to give him the manager’s job on a long-term basis if he can secure Champions League football.
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As it stands, Carrick is in the position until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.
“With the results Ruben Amorim had, I think he had to go,” Littler said to BetMGM, sponsors of the 2026 Premier League Darts.
“Michael Carrick has obviously come in and what he has done so far has been incredible.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick celebrates after his side's Premier League 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur _(Image: Martin Rickett/PA)_
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“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.”
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United turned to Carrick on a short-term basis to allow themselves time to carefully consider the next long-term appointment.
But if United’s recent form continues Carrick will surely become a serious candidate himself in similar fashion to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, on whose staff Carrick worked.
“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,” Littler added.
“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.”