Dong Fangzhuo has to dig deeper
By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-07-28 06:28

Dong, the former Dalian Shide star, was bought last year, with United making an initial US$500,000 down-payment in a deal which could rise to US$3.5 million depending on the number of first-team appearances he makes.

He was immediately sent on loan to Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp because he does not yet qualify for a British work permit.

Ferguson is looking forward to seeing Dong build up his ability as soon as possible.

"As you know we put him into Antwerp in Belgium last year to give him experience and also because of the time needed to organize a work permit for him to enter Britain," said Ferguson.

"But he has spent some time with us at the training ground - we hope to see that development and give him a good career in the game."

Only then will Old Trafford's money-men have no hesitancy to lift him from the Belgian League, and expect to benefit more from an explosion of interest in United in the world's most populous country.

Everton and Manchester City have already benefited commercially from the signings of Li Tie and Sun Jihai- but that would be dwarfed by the attention United could attract.

To Dong, scoring his goal in the Hong Kong's game was a good start and has boosted his confidence.

"It was a good chance for me. I will not think too much about my future in the club. All I can to is train and play my best and learn from my teammates," said the teenager.

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