Chinese international footballer Dong
Fangzhuo (L) displays a Premiership supremos Manchester United's banner
with the team's manager Alex Ferguson Jan 17, 2007. [sina.com]
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Manchester United's China striker Dong Fangzhuo
has been given a British work permit and is clear to make his competitive debut
for the Premier League leaders, the club said on Wednesday.
United
signed the 21-year-old from Dalian Shide in January 2004 but sent him out on
loan to Belgian club Royal Antwerp, where he scored 35 goals in 61 games.
Handed shirt number 21, Dong is now eligible to turn out in league and cup
games for United and has signed a new contract until 2010. He has only played
previously for them in pre-season friendlies, scoring the winner against Kaizer
Chiefs in South Africa last July.
"We're all excited he has eventually arrived and can start playing," United
manager Alex Ferguson told the club's Web site www.manutd.com. "He sacrificed
two-and-a-half years at Royal Antwerp, which showed great patience and
determination.
"He is quick and athletic and he can only improve by training with the first
team squad here."
