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Dong cleared for United duty
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 15 Dec 2006

Manchester United have secured a work permit for China international Dong Fangzhou, leaving him free to begin his Premiership career in the New Year.

The 21-year-old striker has only been able to play for United on their pre-season tours since joining in January 2004, as he has not had the paperwork necessary for him to play in England.

However, after spending three years on loan at Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp, during which time he won seven caps for China, Dong has now been
cleared to link up with United on a permanent basis.

He will now head to Old Trafford on 1st January and Sir Alex Ferguson is excited about what he will bring to United's title push.

"Dong has been doing exceptionally well and scoring a lot of goals at Antwerp," Ferguson told MUTV.

"He has great pace and power and the boy has a big chance."

United have also confirmed that six other loan players will return to the club in January.

Lee Martin and Phil Bardsley will come back from Rangers, along with Chris Eagles (NEC Nijmegen), Giuseppe Rossi (Newcastle) and Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson, who have been playing alongside Dong for Antwerp.