football Usain Bolt to get tryout with Manchester United

[Rappy Veteran]

LONDON ? Usain Bolt will get the chance to fulfill one of his sporting dreams after being given a "trial" with English Premier League soccer club Manchester United.

Bolt discussed his love for soccer after his sensational performance in the men?s 100-meter final on Sunday, insisting he has the physical attributes to make it as a professional player.

United has responded by giving him the chance to prove his talents following the Olympics, with a source telling Yahoo! Sports that the Jamaican superstar will be invited to the team?s training base in Carrington, a suburb of Manchester.

"Just like everyone else, the players are huge fans of Bolt and have massive respect for him," the source said. "We would love to have him along. After he spoke about the club after the most-watched race in the world, it makes perfect sense.

"We would welcome him with open arms, and it would certainly make all the boys and the coaching staff pretty excited to meet him and see his skills. They would love to see what he has got with the ball."

United?s veteran defender Rio Ferdinand contacted Bolt through Twitter on Tuesday to offer congratulations on his Olympic record triumph in the 100 meters. "If you want that trial at Man Utd shout me," Ferdinand tweeted. "I?ll speak to the boss. Well done in 100m."

Bolt replied: "After the Olympics we work on that ? lol ? thanks man."

As it turns out, United?s marketing staff is already working on the trial. The primary incentive is not, perhaps surprisingly, the positive publicity that having pictures of Bolt in a United shirt would bring.

United and manager Sir Alex Ferguson are conscious of the value of keeping the team?s spirits high and go to extreme lengths to care for the players. Players can call a club employee at any time of day or night for assistance with even the most basic task.

Such an environment has helped United claim 12 out of the past 20 EPL titles. Inviting athletes from other sports to the training venue is seen as a helpful distraction.

"Think about it," the source said. "It would be the kind of thing that would give everyone a lift. We?ve done similar things before."

The move on United?s part is proof of Bolt?s remarkable worldwide appeal, which has only increased since his devastating surge past Yohan Blake and Justin Gatlin to clinch the gold last weekend.

Although Bolt's blistering speed would be a major advantage in soccer, it's unlikely that without years of training he can match the skill of United's stars ? though he and the squad will have fun finding out.

Bolt insists he has the ability to play at the top level, even though soccer is not his strongest sport outside track. That distinction lies with cricket, with some in Jamaica believing Bolt could have had a career as an international standard player if he had not decided to stick with sprinting.

[spy beef]

What is this "soccer" you speak off?

[majortom1981]

JUst because you can run does not mean your good at soccer. I was not the fastest person on my team but I had better soccer skills then most . It is different running with a soccer ball at your feet vs nothing at your feet.

[Tom]

BAHAHAHHAA. AWESOME.

[theyarecomingforyou]

Manchester United isn't a "soccer club" - it's a football club.

[Rappy Veteran]

What is this "soccer" you speak off?

Manchester United isn't a "soccer club" - it's a football club.

blame Yahoo.com for using the term :p

[The Laughing Man]

Maybe he is good at......soccer....

[Lingwo]

It is only a PR stunt but it would be fun to see if he is any good. As majortom1981 said, it is totally different running fast with the ball. That is why players like Walcott and Bale are so deadly because of their speed on the ball.

[episode]

It is only a PR stunt but it would be fun to see if he is any good. As majortom1981 said, it is totally different running fast with the ball. That is why players like Walcott and Bale are so deadly because of their speed on the ball.

He doesn't have to run with the ball all the time. Imagine the possible lead out passes he could get on an onside run from up field.

[Lingwo]

He doesn't have to run with the ball all the time. Imagine the possible lead out passes he could get on an onside run from up field.

Yeah but keep doing that over 90+ minutes and be able to control the ball when it comes at you... plus being able to shoot.

He'll be in for a rude awakening. I think the guy is a legend but just because he is the fastest man in the world doesn't make him able to play football at a professional level.

[RadishTM Veteran]

LOL WAT :rofl:

[cacoe]

There's lots of info on his records and achievements. How does he fair for longer bouts of slower running? I know he's stated an interest in football before, how much football has he played though?

[suprNOVA]

Even if he was on the team, he'd probably get destroyed by a defending midfielder or the 4 other defenders out there.

[episode]

Yeah but keep doing that over 90+ minutes and be able to control the ball when it comes at you... plus being able to shoot.

Doesn't need to. They could use him for a late-game sub for a striker.

[saxondale.]

JUst because you can run does not mean your good at soccer. I was not the fastest person on my team but I had better soccer skills then most . It is different running with a soccer ball at your feet vs nothing at your feet.

You do realise he's actually a pretty decent football player right?

[tiagosilva29]

You do realise he's actually a pretty decent football player right?

Source?

[Phixion]

SOCCERRRRRRR DUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE!

He will never make it professionally.

[threetonesun]

His ability to run incredibly fast very rarely becomes useful in soccer (unless the defense is taking a nap), but it would be neat to see him try out. I get the impression he's just an incredible all around athlete.

[Matrix XII]

PR stunt, but it's kinda cool :p

[Bulldozer]

Because you can run fast it doesn't make you a good footballer.

[Shibby]

Eghh, I've had Deja Vu, I thought something like this has already happened.

Anyway Iwan Thomas was in a celebrity football match, he could run but wasn't good at football. Not that bolt will be rubbish.