Littler parades World Championship trophy at Old Trafford as fans serenade star

The 17-year-old paraded the Sid Waddell Trophy to the fans at half-time during Sunday's 3-1 defeat Brighton following his PDC World Darts Championship success earlier this month.

Known to be a massive fan of the Red Devils, Littler opened up on his desire to show his title off to the 75,000-strong crowd at the Theatre of Dreams.

He said after his 7-3 victory over Michael van Gerwen in the final at Alexandra Palace: "Obviously, I'd love to take it there.

"If they allow me to, then I am sure I will go to Old Trafford."

And the club allowed him to realise his boyhood dream in their match against the Seagulls - though they had to alter their initial plans in what was a day full of mixed emotions.

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The teenager - serenaded with chants of, 'There's only one Luke Littler,' - was due to be presented before kick-off, but was instead paraded during the break following the death of club legend Denis Law.

United instead paid a touching tribute to the 1964 Ballon d'Or winner before referee Peter Bankes blew the whistle to signal the start of the game.

Speaking to MUTV before kick-off, a delighted Littler was asked what it's like to return to Old Trafford as a world champion.

To which he remarked: "It means the world to bring the trophy pitchside at the club I've supported all my life.

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"I'm grateful for the opportunity."

For United, it was their second home match in a matter of days following their thrilling 3-1 comeback win over Southampton on Thursday night.

Littler was unable to be presented against the Saints due to his participation in the Bahrain Darts Masters.

Though unfortunately for the Warrington native, he couldn't defend his title he won last year having been dumped out by Gerwyn Price in the quarter-final.

Still, Littler was all smiles at his beloved Old Trafford on Sunday after being given the VIP treatment.

It is understood that he will meet the United squad following their clash against their south coast opponents.

It was only 12 months ago that Littler took part in a nine-dart challenge against Harry Maguire and Christian Eriksen in front of fellow United stars Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount.

But United's stars won't likely be in the best mood after they fell to their sixth top-flight defeat under Amorim.

United went into the break on level terms at 1-1 after Bruno Fernandes cancelled out Yankuba Minteh's fifth minute opener.

But the Red Devils were second best in the second half, with goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter earning the visitors a deserved victory.

The defeat leaves United in 13th spot having won just seven out of their 22 league matches so far.

As for Littler, his attention will now turn to the Dutch Masters which starts next week - three days after his 18th birthday.

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