United 'excited' about Dong deal
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Article summary
Manchester United FC have handed China forward Dong Fangzhou a contract extension until 2010 after he finally became eligible to represent the Red Devils.
Article body
'All excited'
The 21-year-old was granted a United Kingdom work permit last month, bringing to an end an extended loan at Belgian second division club R. Antwerp FC. Dong signed for United from Dalian Shide in his homeland three years ago this month but then had to move on to Antwerp. In citing his "great patience and determination", United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We're all excited he has eventually arrived and can start playing."
Striking choice
Dong scored 29 goals in 51 games for Antwerp, including six in his last four league matches in December. "He is quick and athletic and he can only improve by training with the first-team squad here," Sir Alex added. United have a wealth of strikers at their disposal with Dong joining first-choice forwards Louis Saha and Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford, along with new recruit Henrik Larsson, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Alan Smith and Giuseppe Rossi.