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Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount has acknowledged Luke Littler following the darts sensation's appearance at Monday evening's clash between his team and Wolves at Molineux. The 18-year-old was among the travelling contingent who journeyed to the Midlands for the Premier League encounter, which left the visiting supporters delighted. A double from Bruno Fernandes, complemented by strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Mount, secured a crucial three points for Ruben Amorim as his side recorded a 4-1 win.

Littler's presence in the stands caught the attention of Sky's cameras, who captured him alongside fellow supporters who had made the trip to Molineux. Some sections of the United faithful voiced concerns, given that numerous supporters had been unsuccessful in the ballot for match tickets. Nevertheless, this wouldn't have dampened what proved to be the teenager's inaugural away fixture, prompting him to share his excitement on social media about his exhilarating football experience.

Posting on Instagram, he declared: "First away day. What a result, chill for few days now then onto the world championship Thursday." This prompted several messages of encouragement from United's playing staff. Mount featured amongs those responding, with the player commenting: "Love it mate," while Harry Maguire also contributed a heart emoji alongside raised hands. It proved to be a memorable evening for Littler to observe, with the England international who contacted him playing an influential role throughout the match. Mount delivered a stellar performance on Monday evening, finding the net and orchestrating play brilliantly for the away team. His display earned glowing reviews from boss Amorim following the final whistle.

"It's not just the goal he scored, it's the way he plays the game - how he attacks, he defends, he understands his technical qualities," the manager told the official United website post-match. "You don't need to have many touches. He's a really good player and works hard. He knows sometimes he needs to start on the bench." Whether Mount or his United teammates will take time away from their regular duties to support Littler at the oche, as the teenage sensation did for them, remains uncertain.

Thursday signals the beginning of the PDC World Darts Championship, with the 18-year-old aiming to retain the title he claimed earlier this year. His opening encounter takes place during the evening session against Lithuania's Darius Labanauskas. Littler triumphed over Michael van Gerwen in the 2025 final, securing his maiden World Championship victory exactly 12 months after his breakthrough run ended in heartbreak against Luke Humphries. Should the prodigy reproduce his previous championship-winning form, he could become the first player in a decade to claim consecutive World titles.

Gary Anderson was the last to achieve this feat in 2015 and 2016, while the past decade has witnessed seven different champions crowned. Now the world's new number one, Littler has opened up about his mindset ahead of the tournament. Speaking to Sky News, he revealed: "I wouldn't say there's really any nerves, I just enjoy it. I love producing my best darts, I love walking on, seeing the fans and there's no need to put any pressure on yourself.

"If you win, you win; if you lose, you lose. Obviously, if you're losing, it's not a good feeling and you've gotta get yourself out of that situation, get yourself back into the game, and that's what I'm good at. I'm good at turning it up a notch or two, and I can get in front of my opponent and then go on and win the game."

Fresh from securing the top ranking and his Grand Slam triumph just weeks ago, Littler represents the player in peak form that all competitors must overcome.