Harry Maguire was delighted with Luke Littler's Premier League darts title victory on Thursday evening, as the Manchester United star shared a cheeky joke with the 17-year-old.
The United defender was avidly following Littler's progress as he claimed the Premier League 2024 crown after cruising past rival Luke Humphries in the final.
Littler triumphed 11-7 over rival Humphries in the showpiece event to claim the £275,000 prize after a stunning performance at the O2 Arena in London, with his victory cheered by United and some of their players.
Littler is a boyhood Red Devils supporter having been born and raised in neighbouring Warrington, with Maguire previously going head-to-head with the newly-crowned champion in a one-off darts competition at United's training ground.
The pair have continued to form a good friendship and Maguire jokingly took credit for Littler's stunning win while also hailing him as a 'crazy talent' in a cheeky online post.
Harry Maguire was delighted with Luke Littler's Premier League darts title victory
Littler became the youngest-ever Premier League champion on Thursday at 17-years-old
Littler and Maguire previously faced off in a darts showdown at United's training ground
Maguire was following Littler's progress as he stormed to victory over Humphries in a repeat of the world championship final and was delighted for the darts superstar after the match.
Littler won in style as he also became only the second-ever player behind the legendary Phil Taylor to hit a nine-dart finish in a Premier League final on his way to becoming the youngest champion ever.
United were first to congratulate Littler as they commented on his celebration post on Instagram by stating: 'Incredible performance, Luke' alongside a clapping and trophy emoji.
Maguire then shared an individual message on his account, hilariously adding: 'Ever since I shown him how to play he's not done too bad. Unbelievable. Crazy talent.'
Maguire joked online with Littler after the teenager's stunning Premier League final win
Manchester United's official Instagram account and Wayne Rooney also congratulated Littler
The England international will be hoping to share similar words of celebration with his United team-mates on Saturday when they take on derby rivals Man City in the FA Cup final.
Erik ten Hag was expected to start Maguire at the heart of his defence prior to him being dealt a cruel injury blow in the build-up to the Wembley clash.
Confirming Maguire isn't fit to play a part in the repeat of last year's Cup final, Ten Hag said on Thursday: 'Harry Maguire is unavailable but for the rest, all of the players you mentioned, are available.
'Tomorrow [Friday] final training and we make final decisions, but the way I see it now it looks good (for Mount, Martial and Lindelof and Martial).'