UNITED SPECIAL Bolt hasn’t given up hope on his Reds dream
JOSE Mourinho has given his verdict on Usain Bolt’s football skills.
Olympic sprint legend Bolt has long-hinted that he’d like to play for United - and had the chance to be managed by Mourinho in the Hublot ‘Match Of Friendship’ in Basel.
The game brought together legends such as Patrick Kluivert and Roberto Carlos, while Diego Maradona was Mourinho’s opposing manager.
Discussing Bolt’s performance in an interview with GQ, Mourinho said: “I think the size of the pitch was too small for Usain.
“I think it was designed to suit the older players who don’t run so much, but still have lots of skill.
“I think Usain’s best strength is his physicality, his speed and his aggressive movements, so he is probably better suited to a full-size pitch with 11-a-side.”
Bolt has retired from athletics after winning eight Olympic gold medals.
And he has made no secret of his desire to try out a new career.
The 31-year-old Jamaican told FIFA.com: “Yes, I would love to play football now I’ve retired from track and field.
“I’ve been talking about it in interviews and a lot of clubs have reached out.”
Bolt has been training with Norwegian side Stromsgodset and could play in a friendly against Norway’s under-19s tomorrow.
He is also taking part in Socceraid at Old Trafford on Sunday.
“If I can get a couple of minutes, that would be good,” he said. “I’m here to try to get fit for the charity game in Manchester next weekend.
“Getting a few minutes on a full pitch would be good for me.
“The more comfortable I get here, the more I will relax, but everyone has been cool and welcoming.” JOSE Mourinho wants ‘natural Brazilian talent’ to take United to the next level.
The Reds boss is closing in on the signing of Shakhtar midfielder Fred - and has also identified Juventus left-back Alex Sandro as a summer transfer target.
It comes after he declared in April that ‘a team without a Brazilian isn’t a team.’
The United manager is determined to add some Samba flair to a squad that was criticised for its staid performances last season.
Fred, who could complete his move to Old Trafford this week, has been signed as a replacement for the retiring Michael Carrick.
And as a holding midfielder, does not fit the traditional idea of Brazil’s most celebrated players.
But Mourinho hopes he can bring a style to United’s midfield from that role.
And his description of Brazil’s squad going to the World Cup has given his most telling insight into his desire to recruit players from that country.
“Brazil, because of their manager Tite, can play well tactically and defensively,” Mourinho said. “But they still have that natural Brazilian talent. “They will be a team to watch.” Mourinho’s comments are telling ahead of a season when he aims to close the gap on Premier League champions City.
He has been accused of being too negative in an era when Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp are attempting to thrill with an attack-first mentality.
But his focus on Tite’s ‘tactical’ and ‘defensive’ qualities suggest he’s not ready to change his own philosophy. Instead, he will look to add Brazilian players, who can fit into his plans. Another long-term target, Willian, fits that description too. The Chelsea winger’s discipline is what made him such a favourite of Mourinho’s during their time at Stamford Bridge. The United manager has struggled to fill the right side of his attack since taking over at Old Trafford, with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata all being deployed there with varying success. Mourinho knows he could rely on Willian to keep his side’s shape, while also adding an attacking impetus. The potential availability of Gareth Bale is likely to put the Real Madrid Welshman ahead of Willian in United’s thinking, with executive vice chairman Ed Woodard a long-time admirer. The pursuit for more flair will be greeted with optimism by United fans - but Mourinho’s admiration for Tite’s Brazil suggests he will stick to the methods he trusts when the new season starts. Jose Mourinho