Exclusive: Luke Littler reveals why he can't play in Soccer Aid despite wanting to feature in match

Darts star Luke Littler has revealed he has been contacted about playing in Soccer Aid but has had to turn down the offer on the recommendation of his manager.

18-year-old sensation Littler is one of the biggest stars in all of sports and is the current world and Premier League darts champion.

But the Warrington Wonderkid is also a huge Manchester United fan and weeks after beating Michael van Gerwen in the final at Alexandra Palace, he paraded the Sid Waddell Trophy around Old Trafford at half-time back in January.

However, there is very much interest in Littler playing at the Theatre of Dreams in the annual UNICEF charity fixture, which takes place on 15 June this year and sees former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury make his managerial debut.

Littler's favourite player Wayne Rooney is also involved in a player-manager role, with fellow United legends Gary Neville and Paul Scholes also representing England side.

Another new face is Littler's streaming pal 'Angry Ginge', who drafted him in for a cameo for his Under 18's Saturday League side as they won the league in their first season.

Wearing the No.180 shirt, Littler came off the bench and rolled in a penalty. And though there have been discussions about a Soccer Aid outing, the possibility of injury represents a risk for 'The Nuke'.

Speaking to SPORTbible, Littler said: “I’ve been in contact for the past two years now but obviously my manager, he thinks injury wise if anything was to happen - it just saves me from doing it. Maybe in a few years.”

Littler has been in attendance to watch Ginge's 'Yanited' side in the all-new Baller League every Monday and there have been suggestions about him playing in the six-a-side competition as a wildcard player.

Luke Littler paraded his World Darts Championship trophy around Old Trafford. Image: Getty

However, after watching the standard in the flesh, Littler isn't so sure.

He said: “I’ve been watching all the weeks and watching it in person, it takes some doing, it’s very quick.”

Luke Littler names two players Man United must sign

Littler has been left frustrated by his beloved United's disastrous domestic campaign, where they are 15th and confirmed to finish with their post ever Premier League points tally.

A Europa League triumph and subsequent qualification for next season's Champions League could save their season but Littler still wants to see two new high-profile additions in the summer.

Asked about which players he wants the club to sign, Littler replied: “I think two of them have already been released - or are very close - [Mateus] Cunha and Liam Delap.

Cunha, I think him and Bruno would be world class as tens or even as an eight next to each other - providing for [Joshua] Zirkzee, [Rasmus] Hojlund or even if we were to get Liam Delap in.

“Liam Delap going down to the Championship, it would be a no brainer really.

“His stats, this season he’s outscored Hojlund and Zirkzee but that’ll be the club’s and [Ruben] Amorim’s choice.

“Looking at Hojlund, it’s his second season and Zirkzee’s very new so it’s all down to what he [Amorim] wants.”

Deliveroo has recruited British darts sensation Luke Littler to reintroduce one of the most iconic award categories back into the collection for its 2025 Restaurant Awards - the newly-named Luke Littler x Deliveroo Best Kebab Award. Voting is open now and closes on the 9th May at deliveroorestaurantawards.com.