Luke Littler reveals the advice legendary Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson gave to him – as the teen sensation opens up on his unorthodox preparation for the World Darts Championship

Luke Littler has opened up on his whirlwind year and revealed the advice legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson gave to him.

Litter, 17, has enjoyed a remarkable 12 months, with the teen sensation helping to transform the sport of darts after bursting onto the scene at the World Championship last year.

Littler, who lost in the final to Luke Humphries, has won 10 professional titles, including the prestigious Premier League of Darts, racking up more than £1million in prize money in the process.

The 17-year-old, who has also completed four perfect nine-dart finishes, has secured a whole host of commercial deals and is the favourite for this year’s World Championship, which gets underway on Sunday.  

After his exploits last Christmas, Manchester United fan Littler was invited to the club’s training ground where he struck a 180 in front of an amazed first team squad.

He also made the trip to Old Trafford in January and watched United’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham from the directors’ box, with the 17-year-old given the chance to meet Ferguson ahead of kick off.

United welcomed Littler to Old Trafford after his breakthrough at the World Championship

Littler was also invited to United’s training ground to meet several of the Red Devils’ players 

And, speaking to The Telegraph, Littler – who this week was named on the shortlist for BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year – reflected on his encounter with the legendary Scotsman – and revealed the slight problem he faced.

‘I didn’t really understand him…,’ Littler said. ‘I did hear him say, “stick at it”.’

Part of Littler’s charm has been his innate natural talent coupled with his laissez-faire approach to the game.

The 17-year-old explained earlier this year that he only practices for 30 minutes a day, instead spending most of his time on his Xbox.

He also claimed he often doesn’t go to bed until the early hours of the morning before lying-in in until the afternoon.

And, speaking ahead of this year’s World Championship – where much is expected of Littler – it seems as if not much has changed when the 17-year-old was asked how he plans to prepare. 

‘A lot of sleep, practice, Xbox, chill out,’ he added. ‘An hour to an-hour-and-a-half [a day] on the board. 

‘Keep the arm loose. [But] mostly just chilling… [see] some mates… go out with them sometimes, otherwise just chilling in my bedroom on my own, playing my game, on my phone.

Littler is the favourite for this year’s World Championship, which gets underway on Sunday

The 17-year-old opened up on his preparation for the showpiece event at Alexandra Palace

‘Obviously I want to lift the trophy, but the pressures and being favourite, doesn’t really get to me. I just play my game.’

During his visit to United earlier this year, the club hosted Littler for a photoshoot and gifted him the shirt every fan wishes for – a top with his nickname and favourite number on the back.

Littler posed at the edge of the Old Trafford pitch holding up the shirt, the back adorned with ‘THE NUKE’ – his darts nickname – and the number 180. 

He thanked the club after the match on social media as he shared the photo of himself with Ferguson. 

United also helped organise good luck messages from players Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw as Littler prepared for the final of the World Championship.

‘I’ve got a lot of followers now. I’ve had a message off Luke Shaw, from Manchester United, from Rio Ferdinand, and I had a message off Gary Neville and Jonny Evans before my game against Barney,’ Littler told the BBC in January.

Littler kicks of his World Championship campaign with a second round tie against the winner of Farron Sherrock vs Ryan Meikle on Saturday, December 21.