Manchester United admit Usain Bolt would be a good addition to the side

Premier League giants Manchester United have said that 100m world record holder Usain Bolt would be useful to Alex Ferguson's side, with Rio Ferdinand promising to speak to the boss about a trial for the Olympic champion.

The 6ft 5in Jamaican, who won 100m gold in the Olympic Stadium on Sunday in 9.63 seconds, is known to be a keen footballer and has previously talked of his desire to play for Ferguson's side.

Bolt met the United boss and some of the team in 2009, and now a United spokesman has admitted that athletics' biggest name could well be a shrewd signing.

'As the fastest man on Earth, he would undoubtedly add speed to the team,' the spokesman told The Sun.

United defender Rio Ferdinand also added his voice to those calling for Bolt to join the Red Devils, saying on Twitter: 'If you want that trial at Man Utd shout me, I'll speak to the boss!! Well done in 100m, waiting for you to smash the 200m now!'

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

And there seems no doubt that Bolt is eager to have a chance to impress Ferguson.

'People think I am joking,' said Bolt, who goes off in the 200m heats on Tuesday. 'But if Alex Ferguson called me up and said, "OK let’s do this, come and have a trial", it would be impossible for me to say no.'