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Report: Bolt to play for Manchester United in testimonial match

Usain Bolt

** Caption addition 9.63 relays to Olympic 100m record Sprinter Usain Bolt poses for pictures with a Manchester United shirt with the Olympic record 100m time, prior to Manchester United’s English Premier League soccer match against Fulham at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

AP

It appears Usain Bolt is getting his wish to suit up for Manchester United.

Bolt has been picked for the Premier League power’s squad in a special match to honor longtime United defender Rio Ferdinand against Spanish club Sevilla on Aug. 9 at Old Trafford, according to The Sun.

The match, dubbed a “testimonial,” is not an official league match but more like an exhibition.

“Usain has finally got his wish and he’ll be lining up alongside Rio,” a source told the newspaper. “It should be quite a game. It will be fascinating to see if Usain’s speed will be matched by his passing and ball control.”

In September, then-United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told Inside United magazine that Bolt wanted to play in a charity match for his favorite soccer team. Bolt has often said -- perhaps jokingly -- he would like to give soccer a try after he’s done with sprinting.

The slight problem with Bolt’s potential United debut comes with scheduling. The match takes place one day before the heats of the 100 meters at the world championships in Moscow.

Bolt follows in the steps of fellow London Olympic champion Mo Farah, who suited up for Arsenal in a legends charity match in June.

Video: Bolt wins 200 meters in Paris in world-leading time