Jaap Stam advises young players to learn from Luke Littler

Manchester United legend Jaap Stam has encouraged the club's young players to learn from darts star Luke Littler. Stam believes Littler's success in high-pressure situations can inspire the next generation of footballers at United. Littler, an 18-year-old darts sensation, is currently ranked world number two. He has already won several major titles, including the World Championship and the UK Open in 2025. His accomplishments at such a young age have captured the attention of fans and experts alike. Stam, who was a key player for Manchester United from 1998 to 2001, knows the importance of winning. During his time at the club, he helped secure three consecutive Premier League titles, among other trophies. He wants today’s young players, like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, to embrace a winning mentality as they move up from the academy to the first team. In an interview, Stam praised Littler for maintaining his focus under intense pressure. He said, “It’s hard to have that concentration and focus,” especially with distractions like social media. Stam suggested that young footballers could benefit from speaking with Littler about handling pressure and expectations. Recently, Littler's victory in the UK Open followed Manchester United's disappointing FA Cup loss to Fulham. Since then, Littler has continued to shine, winning more matches in the Premier League and the Belgian Open. Stam hopes that Littler's experience can help young players at Manchester United navigate their own challenges on the field.