United Legends take on their Barcelona counterparts in a charity match at Old Trafford on Sept. 2, with the event raising money for the Manchester United Foundation and its work in the local community.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, Denis Irwin and Dwight Yorke are among those signed up for the Bryan Robson-managed United side, who had hoped to be able to call upon the fastest man in history.

Bolt has long dreamed of playing at Old Trafford and had been set to get that chance if he could overcome his hamstring injury.

However, the retired sprinter will not be able to line up for the Legends following a scan.

He tweeted: "Sadly, I have a tear of the proximal myotendineous junction of biceps femoris in my left hamstring with partial retraction. 3 months rehab,'' but the post was later removed.

Bolt refuted suggestions that he had not truly been injured at the World Championships.

He added: "I don't usually release my medical report to the public but sadly I have sat and listened to people questioning if I was really injured.

"I have never been one to cheat my fans in any way and my entire desire at the championship was run one last time for my fans."

Competitions have previously got in the way of Bolt making an appearance for United teams in exhibition matches, but there is scope for the Jamaican to be involved at another point.

He has been "mind bent on playing for Manchester United" since his first visit to the club in 2009 and has previously told MUTV: "I think I would be pretty good because I am fit, I am quick, I can control the ball and I understand all of the play."