Usain Bolt reveals why he supports Manchester United

Bolt cheers on United from the stands at Old Trafford (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Olympic great Usain Bolt is known to be a passionate Manchester United fan.

And now he has hung up his spikes, the Jamaican sprint king will hope to attend matches at Old Trafford with greater regularity.

The 30-year-old was spotted in the crowd for United's 2-0 win over Leicester last weekend and was lined up to feature for a legends side at Old Trafford against Barcelona today, only for a hamstring injury to wreck his dream.

But Bolt has been discussing his passion for United and where it all started, report the Manchester Evening News.

The retired Jamaica star has now admitted he was initially attracted to United by fans' favourite Van Nistelrooy, who scored an impressive 150 goals in 219 appearance for Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

Speaking to ManUtd.com, Bolt said: "Ruud was the one who made me start supporting Manchester United. Just watching him play, a striker at the level he was, playing for United.

"It was like 'this guy is one of the best', you know what I mean, and, for me, he is why I started watching Manchester United. I never turned back and I've just seen great players after great players coming to United and doing a great job."

United super-fan Bolt, who was a special guest for the 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley, even joked earlier in the year that he could be as good as Wayne Rooney if he moved into professional football.

“I’m not going to lie,” Bolt said. “I’m not going to be the best footballer in the world. But I’d be at a good level, I’d say. Maybe Wayne Rooney level.