Darts and football often crossover as two of the UK’s biggest sporting exports have similar energies and atmospheres as a live occasion.
Football songs are often sung in darts venues and some players wear their hearts on their sleeves when it comes to their football club.
Nathan Aspinall is one of those players, who not only supports a team ardently but very nearly got the chance to play for them.
Nathan Aspinall’s love for Manchester United
Aspinall has been a Manchester United supporter since the late nineties when the club was in one of their most successful periods ever.
Aspinall told the Manchester is Red podcast: “The treble in ’99 was one of the first memories supporting United I had.
“Cristiano Ronaldo was the one for me as I got older, I’m a massive fan and he’s my idol, to be honest.”
The Asp had a season ticket for much of the 2000s before giving up his ticket at the same time Alex Ferguson left the club.
On Manchester is Red, Aspinall said: “I had one with my dad in the Stretford End, and getting rid of it when Fergie went was probably one of the best decisions I ever made”
Aspinall still makes visits to Old Trafford and was lucky enough to see his idol wear the famous red jersey once again when Ronaldo returned to the club in 2021.
He said: “”When he came back, it worked fantastic because my manager got season tickets again and he scored a hat-trick against Newcastle.”
“What an atmosphere and the ‘viva Ronaldo’ going around Old Trafford was just unreal.”
The Asp’s connection to football runs deep, with James Maddison naming Nathan Aspinall as the darts player he wants to face.
Nathan Aspinall’s playing journey
Aspinall isn’t just an avid lover of football, he was also a player in his younger days and very nearly turned professional. The Asp got scouted by two European giants, including his beloved Manchester United.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Aspinall said: “I got scouted to play at the Manchester United goalkeeping academy, it was a feeder club for Manchester United and other clubs.
“I got offered contracts for Rangers when I was nine, I played for Stockport County and had trials with them. It didn’t work out for me, but I played at a semi-pro level and I’m now a professional darts player.”
The 33-year-old became an elite sportsman in another sport, capturing the UK Open and World Matchplay and reaching World No. 4.