Why did Dan Ashworth leave Man United? | Emma Paton: The first lady of darts | Paper Talk

Why did Dan Ashworth leave Man United? | Emma Paton: The first lady of darts | Paper Talk

"Fallout at Manchester United: Dan Ashworth’s Shock Departure sends Shockwaves through the Football World"

As we dive into the morning’s newspapers, one story dominates the headlines: the sudden departure of Dan Ashworth, Manchester United’s sporting director, just five months into the role. The news comes as a surprise to many, given the significant sum of £3 million paid to lure him from Newcastle United.

According to the Daily Express, the decision was not a mutual one, but rather a result of a deep-seated rift between Ashworth and the Old Trafford hierarchy. The article by David McDonnell reveals that Ashworth wanted Thomas Frank or Gareth Southgate to replace Eric ten Hag, but ultimately, the club chose to go in a different direction.

The Daily Telegraph echoes these sentiments, describing the power struggle within Manchester United, with the article suggesting that Ashworth’s departure could signal a long and arduous process to find the right replacement. It’s no surprise, then, that the club is reportedly in no hurry to fill the vacancy, with Omar Bär and Jason Wilcox set to step into the void.

Meanwhile, the world of darts takes center stage with the upcoming World Championship, which begins Sunday. The Daily Mirror features an exclusive interview with none other than our own Emma Payton, the "First Lady of Darts". Payton, whose expertise comes from her 12-year tenure on the production team at Sky Sports, shares an insider’s perspective on the fast-paced world of professional darts. When asked about her early morning prep sessions, she quips, "I used to get up at 3:00 a.m. to edit interviews, prepare scripts, and design graphics. That’s what the lads are doing over there right now – they love their job!" Payton’s wit and charm shine through in this engaging interview.

As the British media continues to dissect the intricacies of the Dan Ashworth saga, only time will tell what the future holds for Manchester United. In the meantime, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the developments and, of course, the thrilling world of darts as it kicks off this weekend.