World record-holding Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt has gone big with the three players he would like to see at Manchester United this summer. The nine-time Olympic gold medallist is known to be an avid football fan and even attempted to make it as a professional following the culmination of his athletics career, even scoring in a friendly for Australian side Central Coast Mariners.
A lifelong supporter of the Red Devils, the 38-year-old is frequently asked about his thoughts on the club. In a recent interview with BR Football, Bolt was asked which players he’d like to see join Ruben Amorim’s squad during the upcoming transfer window to help restore United to its former glory.
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With the club staring down the barrel of its worst-ever Premier League points tally and the Europa League their only remaining shot at silverware, reinforcements are clearly needed. True to form, Bolt remains hopeful, and has named three top-tier targets who could make a real difference. However, landing them could cost an absolute bomb, such is the Olympian's extravagant taste.
Ademola Lookman
Atalanta
Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman was the name on everyone's lips around this time last year after etching his name into the history books with a hat-trick in a major European final. His three superbly taken goals sealed Atalanta’s 3-0 triumph over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final - one of the most memorable performances on such a stage.
During his time in the Premier League with Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, Lookman often struggled to fully showcase his abilities. However, he's enjoyed another strong campaign in Serie A this season, tallying 13 goals and five assists in 28 appearances. A return to England may well be on the horizon. Whether he can replicate his Italian form at the Theatre of Dreams, as Bolt hopes, would be interesting to see.
Cole Palmer
Chelsea
Chelsea's Cole Palmer.
Cole Palmer might come with a nine-figure price tag, and United’s No.10 spot is currently very firmly in Bruno Fernandes’ grasp, but that hasn’t stopped Bolt from dreaming of a lineup that features both. The Chelsea star topped the Premier League for goal contributions last season and, despite a slight dip in form post-January, still boasts 22 in 33 games this time around.
A relentless game-changer and go-getter in every sense of the word, the Englishman also seems to relish facing United, netting four times in as many meetings. Maybe Bolt thinks if you can’t stop him, sign him. Watch Bolt's full interview below:
Viktor Gyokeres
Sporting
Viktor Gyokeres celebrating after scoring for Sporting
Had Bolt made it as a footballer, he might've looked a lot like Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres - tall, powerful, and packing a shot fierce enough to make even the bravest of defenders flinch. The Swedish striker is a nightmare for any backline, and plenty of United fans would welcome him as an upgrade on Joshua Zirkzee or Rasmus Hojlund, as the current frontline appears to lack cutting edge.
With a staggering 52 goals and 12 assists in just 48 appearances this season, Gyokeres is Europe’s golden boot frontrunner and is one of the best strikers in the world. Bolt would love to see him reunite with Amorim at Old Trafford. And if all three of Bolt’s dream signings come true, United’s lineup next season might just work its way back to the top. Look at the potential XI below:
Bolt's Man United
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt (correct as of 03/05/2025)