By Chris O'Brien
May 11 2005

Chinese forward Dong Fangzhuo will make his first appearances in the red jersey in his home continent. The 20-year-old, having spent over a season on loan at Royal Antwerp, is expected to play a key role in United's pre-season tour of the Far East.

It has been confirmed that Manchester United's Chinese youngster Dong Fangzhuo will make his Red Devils debut in his home country as part of the Red Devils' pre-season tour to Asia. The 20-year-old joined the club in January 2004 from Dalian Shide, widely regarded as China's brightest prospect.

Work permit complications and the fact that Dong would not yet be ready to step into the Premiership saw him sent to feeder club Royal Antwerp on loan. He has spent an enjoyable 18 months in Belgium gradually improving his game, and reports suggest he is now ready to try and make the grade in England. His quest for first-team football at Old Trafford ironically begins in his home country.

As reported on ManUtdWeb, the Red Devils have announced another money-spinning pre-season tour, this time travelling to Asia to try and bring in revenue from the mammoth supporter base across the continent. I am not a fan of glamorising pre-seasons, and it would seem the high-profile USA Tour last summer took its toll on the players before the season had even begun. Nevertheless, instead of Tuesday night ties away at Altrincham and Stockport County, it's the luxury of jetting off to the Far East for the United players and loyal supporters.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to put on the famous red shirt in my home country. It will be a proud moment to play in China as a Manchester United player.” said Dong, who will line-up alongside fellow MUFC stars for the Manchester United Cup on 23 July in Hong Kong and could play up to four friendly games across the Asian continent.

Forward Dong is clearly a bright prospect for the future, but will need to work extremely hard to have a chance of stepping into the Football League. He impressed as a youngster in Asia and has done well at Antwerp, but whether he will be able to force his way into first-team contention at Old Trafford will be interesting.