Luke Littler experienced his maiden Manchester United away fixture on Monday evening, taking in the Red Devils' comprehensive 4-1 triumph over Wolves at Molineux.
The 18-year-old, who currently holds the world number one ranking, chose an unconventional way to prepare for his title defence at Alexandra Palace, which begins on Thursday.
Sky Sports cameras located "The Nuke" amongst the travelling supporters after Tottenham midfielder James Maddison, working as a pundit for the evening, disclosed that Littler had messaged him confirming his attendance.
The teenager was visibly delighted as Ruben Amorim's side climbed to sixth position in the Premier League standings.
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Littler documented the occasion on his Instagram account, where he commands a following of nearly two million people, uploading photographs of the lively atmosphere in the away section.
The reigning champion captioned his post: "First away day what a result. Chill for few days now then onto the world championship Thursday."
His social media update proved hugely popular with United supporters, garnering close to 70,000 likes within hours of publication.
The darts sensation had travelled from his home in the north west to Wolverhampton, enjoying the evening alongside friends before his tournament commitments begin later this week.
World darts champion Luke Littler experienced his maiden Manchester United away fixture on Monday evening
|GETTY
Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes played key roles in the victory that condemned Wolves to a 15th game without a win under Rob Edwards this season.
Mount, who had netted United's third goal on the night, responded to Littler's Instagram post with the message: "Love it mate."
Club captain Fernandes, who scored twice, including the opener and a late penalty, also acknowledged the darts star's presence.
He commented a bullseye emoji on an identical post Littler made to his X account.
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Fellow supporters in the away end were thrilled to spot the sporting icon among them on the eve of his most significant tournament of the year
|GETTY
The interaction between the footballers and the teenage sporting sensation delighted fans.
The darts star received his tickets courtesy of Adidas, United's kit manufacturer, who are allocated four seats per match as part of their £900 million, decade-long sponsorship agreement with the club.
Fellow supporters in the away end were thrilled to spot the sporting icon among them on the eve of his most significant tournament of the year.
One excited fan suggested Littler was "bringing the good luck."
The teenager watched as Ruben Amorim's side climbed to sixth position in the Premier League standings
|GETTY
The world champion will launch his title defence against Lithuanian opponent Darius Labanauskas during Thursday's opening night at Alexandra Palace, where he claimed his maiden world crown in January.
He will be joined by the sport’s biggest names, who are heading to London’s Alexandra Palace, with the tournament getting underway on Thursday.
Mario Vandenbogaerde or David Davies await in the second round, while a showdown against Joe Cullen, Damon Heta or Rob Cross awaits in the next phase of the World Championship.
Littler has been tipped to get through the early stages of the tournament with ease, having made history by becoming the youngest world No1 just 22 months after he turned professional.
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