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Phil Taylor says Luke Littler must overcome 'Manchester United syndrome'

Darting icon Phil Taylor has warned Luke Littler he must overcome "Manchester United syndrome" if he wants to break his world championship record

[Phil Taylor and Luke Littler]

Phil Taylor has warned Luke Littler about Manchester United syndrome

Darts icon Phil Taylor has told Luke Littler he must overcome "Manchester United syndrome".

Littler, 17, crowned himself as champion of the world earlier this month as he dismantled Michael van Gerwen in the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship final. Mighty Mike had no answer for the flying teenager.

And the darting prodigy now looks set to rule over the darting world - but The Power had some words of warning for Littler. Speaking to Sky Sports on if Littler can break his record of 16 world titles, Taylor said: "If he wants to beat my world record, then he can go ahead and do it.

"You get, what I used to call the Man Utd syndrome - where everybody raises their game against you. And it can take its toll."

It wasn't too long ago when the pair first met, with Target Darts bringing together the two star's of their sport to try Target's new omni darts system. "Phil is one of the greatest players to ever throw a dart, and what he has achieved is really inspiring for me," Littler said.

[Phil Taylor and Luke Littler]

Luke Littler won his first World Championship earlier this month

He has set such a high bar in the darts, and I've been honoured to have had such an amazing year in the sport so early in my career. To be in the running for BBC Sports Personality of the Year is the icing on the cake.

"The sport is growing so fast, and I'm excited to be a part of it and seeing what the future holds.

While Taylor, himself, was full of praise for the new superstar of darts - admitting he doesn't watch every darts match on TV, but is always sure to tune in when it's Littler at the oche.

[Luke Littler of England reacts against Ian White of England during their third round match on day eleven of the 2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on December 28, 2024 in London, England. ]

Luke Littler, 17, is a darting sensation(Image: Getty Images)

He said: "It was great to meet Luke and see his passion for the sport. I love him to bits, and what I admire about him is that he just wants to look after his mum and dad.

Hes got exceptional talent which was evident when we threw together and you can see his confidence when he plays. If he can remain hungry, he will go all the way and become the best in the sport."

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