Luke Littler Reviews Manchester United’s Transfer Window and Champions League Prospects in Gambling Insider Q&A
World number one swaps the oche for the riverbank at the Target Darts Sports Stars Fishing Championship, raising funds for the Willow Foundation, just days after a record-breaking World Matchplay triumph in Blackpool.
Darts sensation Luke Littler sat down with Gambling Insider at the Target Darts Sports Stars Fishing Championship, held at Tunnel Barn Farm in Shrewley, Warwickshire, to talk all things Manchester United ahead of the new Premier League season.
The 19-year-old, who was competing in the annual charity event alongside fellow sporting stars including Barry Hearn, David Seaman and Steve Davis, took a break from the rod and reel to give his verdict on United’s summer transfer business — just days after lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy for the second time in his career at the World Matchplay in Blackpool.
Littler, a lifelong Manchester United supporter, capped off a stunning week at the Winter Gardens with an 18-9 win over Gerwyn Price in the final, posting a tournament average of 111.04 to smash Phil Taylor’s long-standing record, and a final-match average of 111.53. The win made him only the fourth player in tournament history — and the first in a decade — to win back-to-back World Matchplay titles.
Now, ever the football fan, Littler turned his attention to Old Trafford’s summer dealings.
Littler Underwhelmed by Manchester United’s Transfer Window Activity So Far
“I think there could be more done,” Littler said. “I’m happy with the signings at the minute — Andrey Santos hopefully brings Casemiro’s Brazilian energy in the middle, and Youri Tielemans is a cracking signing, an unbelievable player. Karl Darlow the goalkeeper from Leeds isn’t too bad either, so I think Altay Bayindir will be on his way out. But I think we still need to sign a centre-back and a full-back.”
Asked who he’d like to see the Red Devils target for those positions, Littler admitted full-back is a tough position to strengthen in the modern game, name-checking Bayern Munich’s Nathaniel Brown and expressing regret that United let Alvaro Carreras — now at Real Madrid — leave the club.
On reported midfield target Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Littler was measured: “I wouldn’t say Baleba. He’s a very good player, but I think in midfield we need goal scorers, people who are going to assist, like Tielemans and Santos.”
The ’Nuke’ Remains Optimistic on Red Devils’ Prospects Under Michael Carrick
With Manchester United back in the Champions League this season, Littler was asked whether manager Michael Carrick can maintain the momentum built at the end of last season.
“We can only pick up from where we left off, from winning,” he added. “I’ve said for this season the goal is to get back into the Champions League, and for next season, win the FA Cup or Carabao Cup, and then maybe quarter-finals, semi-finals in the Champions League. I don’t think we’ll win it all again — but just get one of the cups won this season.”
Vinicius Junior Would Be a Great Signing, but United Already Have Heavy Artillery
Responding to speculation linking United’s rivals Arsenal with Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, Littler said he understood the appeal but was content with United’s current options: “I don’t think there’s many Premier League right-backs who’d be able to keep up with him. He’s a very good player, but there’d be a hefty price tag on him. I’ll be happy with Cunha, and then I’ll be happy with Rashford coming back from Barcelona as well.”
Littler Reveals Plans to Attend a United Champions League Clash on Foreign Soil
Littler, who has previously been spotted in the away end at Wolves, said he’s hoping to catch United on the road in the Champions League this season. “I hope we get a good away day somewhere abroad — hopefully I’m available for that in the winter. I’ve got a good mate there with his family, got a few season tickets, so hopefully we can get to the first home game too.”
Asked to name his dream European away day, Littler ruled out a trip to Turkey based on the infamous intensity of Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe’s stadiums, instead settling on Spain or Italy: “I’d love to go to the Bernabéu, Madrid, or any Spanish team really, or even AC or Inter at the San Siro — I think it’s the last season there, so maybe late this year or early next year I might have to go over.”
About the Sports Stars Fishing Championship:
The Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship is the UK’s largest annual charity fishing event, now in its 14th year. Thirty-two sporting personalities are split into eight teams of four to compete for the title, with this year’s event raising funds for the Willow Foundation and several other charities. The Willow Foundation, founded by former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper Bob Wilson, provides “Special Days” for young adults aged 16 to 40 living with life-threatening illnesses.
Littler was competing at the event for the third consecutive year, still chasing the one trophy that has so far eluded him on the water.
Interview conducted by Gambling Insider at the Target Darts Sports Stars Fishing Championship, Tunnel Barn Farm, Warwickshire.
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