Bolt backflips on Manchester United bid

Jamaican sprint sensation Usain Bolt has scuppered plans to fight for a place on Manchester United's star-studded line-up.

Bolt, the fastest man in the world, sparked English football into a frenzy last year when he announced his post-retirement ambition to join the Red Devils.But speaking at the unveiling of new shoes, designed in his honour, he admitted that he had given joining the club a lot of thought recently, but had ultimately changed his mind."A few things have changed," Bolt explained."Firstly, Alex Ferguson has retired and the cold weather, I'm not a fan of it."Bolt had enjoyed a few training sessions under Ferguson.

The news follows confirmation that the speed machine will run the 100 metres at the Paris meet of the Diamond League series.

The Diamond League website said that world and Olympic champion had confirmed his July 4 participation to French organisers.

Bolt had to cancel his appearance in Paris last year owing to a foot injury but has competed there previously.

The season highlight is the August 22-30 world championships in Beijing, where Bolt rose to stardom with world record runs over 100m, 200m and 4x100m at the 2008 Olympics.

He repeated the Olympic treble in 2012 and has also eight world titles.