Luke Littler must overcome ‘Man Utd syndrome’ to break my record – Phil Taylor

Phil Taylor has backed Luke Littler to interrupt his report of 16 world titles however says he should overcome “Man Utd syndrome” to do it.

Littler, 17, beat Michael van Gerwen earlier this month to turn out to be the youngest ever PDC World Championship winner.

Taylor has warned Littler’s success will encourage gamers to lift their video games in opposition to him in the identical manner his opponents did throughout a glittering 35-year profession.

The 64-year-old likens it to the way in which groups rouse themselves taking part in in opposition to Manchester United and Liverpool – England’s two most profitable soccer golf equipment.

“If he desires to beat my world report, then he can go forward and do it,” stated Taylor.

“It is troublesome if you end up younger and you’ve got cash within the financial institution. I used to be 30 after I received for the primary time, so I would finished all that earlier than.

“You get what I used to name the Man Utd syndrome – and Liverpool have gotten it as properly – the place all people raises their recreation in opposition to you, so it’s a must to be at your greatest in each spherical.”

Taylor, nicknamed ‘The Energy’ and extensively thought to be the very best darts participant of all time, retired in 2024 after dominating the game for greater than 20 years.

Regardless of his success, Taylor by no means transcended the game in the way in which Littler has.

{The teenager} has loved a meteoric 12 months, prompting an enormous spike in darts curiosity amongst children and profitable the PJ Younger Sports activities Persona of the 12 months award.

He was additionally runner-up in the principle award to Olympic gold medal-winning athlete Keely Hodgkinson.

“Darts has gone loopy. You would not imagine the distinction since younger Luke got here alongside,” added Taylor.

“I am superb about it, I am too previous for all that stuff now. I’ve had 40 years in my profession, it may well come and it may well go.

“I’ve nothing however credit score for the lad, I feel the world of him. I feel it is nice to see darts so standard.”

Regardless of Littler’s success, Taylor continues to be assured he may have overwhelmed him in his prime.

“I’ve had my day however I’d have liked to play Luke at my greatest, we would have had a cracking recreation,” he stated. “I feel I would have overwhelmed him, however I am undecided.”