Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has backed Luke Littler to build on his sensational start in professional darts.
The Dutchman met the teenager at United's training ground this week and gave him a few words of inspiration.
Littler received plenty of messages from past and present United players during his run at the World Darts Championship.
David Beckham was among the famous faces to make contact with the youngster while he competed at Alexandra Palace.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag sent a classy message to Luke Littler
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Littler was invited to United's home game against Tottenham earlier this month, where he met legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
This week he was at the Red Devils' Carrington training base and was introduced to the first-team squad.
Littler shook hands with the United players ahead of their session and played darts against Harry Maguire and Christian Eriksen.
Ten Hag also took time to speak to Littler, who turned 17 last Sunday.
And he made a point to congratulate him on the success he has achieved so far and says he must continue to show 'character'.
Ten Hag said: "Congrats with your performance, it was great. Keep going and I’m sure, next time, you will win. It’s about character always, so keep going!"
Littler was back in Manchester just days after he won his maiden professional title at the Bahrain Masters.
He hit a nine-darter in his quarter-final win over Nathan Aspinall before beating Michael van Gerwen in the final.
Littler has become a household name in the last month and he insists 'the world has gone mad'.
He said: "I was happy to go out to Bahrain and win it. It was a good experience, it was different to Ally Pally, you could hear everything in the crowd and it was good to see so many youngsters at the live draw.
"Eight of us (seeded players) took pictures and signed autographs. The world has gone mad.
"I didn’t expect to beat those players, I know I have got my own ability and I believe in my ability and that is what gets me over the line.
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Luke Littler met Sir Alex Ferguson at Man Utd's game against Spurs
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"I said I’d take a slow start and then I hit a nine in the first leg, it’s always a bonus. Even Nath said to me, ‘It’s the first leg and a hold of throw’, I said, ‘I know’.
"I was just glad to get over the line against Nath and Gezzy and Michael to get the trophy."
Littler will compete at the Dutch Masters this weekend before he begins his Premier League campaign against world champion Luke Humphries in Cardiff next Thursday.
The Runcorn-born star insists Humphries, who beat him in the final at Ally Pally, is the pre-tournament favourite.
Luke Littler reached the final of the World Darts Championship
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Littler said: "[Humphries] has been unbelievable. That is why he has won a world title and why he went on a 20-game winning streak.
"So now he's the man to beat - and all the focus will be coming on to him.
"Hopefully the World Championship won't be the last time we meet in a major final - and if it is me and Luke in every final, that would still be good.
"But you still have all those dangerous players out there - Michael Smith, Gezzy (Gerwyn Price) and Michael van Gerwen - and it's going to be gruelling.
"Everyone who has won a Tour card can beat you - you win a Tour card because you are one of the best."
