Post by Sky Sports 1 on Jul 19, 2006 18:46:28 GMT
China coach Zhu Guanghu does not believe Manchester United striker Dong Fangzhou will take a European passport as the club hope, as it will rule him ineligible to represent his country.
The Chinese youngster, signed back in January 2004, has impressed during The Red Devils' pre-season campaign and Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that the 21-year-old could bypass work permit regulations by securing European nationality in December.
Dong will be able to take a European passport after spending three years on loan in Belgium with Royal Antwerp, leaving him free to finally start his career at Old Trafford.
However such a move would render his Chinese nationality invalid under the rules of the Asian country, meaning his international career would effectively be compromised.
Now Zhu, despite his delight at United's apparent high opinion of the player, has warned that Dong may not concede to their wishes regarding his nationality.
"I am very pleased that Manchester United have recognised Dong's ability as he is a very talented player," said Zhu.
"I know that he is capable of performing at a high level and it would be a great honour for him to play for Manchester United in The English Premier League.
"However, our government does not allow dual nationality and since Dong is an important member of the team that we are preparing for the 2008 Olympics, I don't think that he would give up his Chinese nationality in order to get a passport in Europe."
If Zhu is proved correct then United will still hope to secure a work permit on the basis that the forward has played four times for his country, or on appeal that he represents an outstanding talent.
"We could apply for a work permit on the fact the lad has played four times for China," said Ferguson earlier in the week.
"We might be able to get a work permit on potential as it stands on appeal."
Could be largely down to how much Dong wants it, is it worth United keeping him if he decides against it? No criticism aimed at him but he's never played in England and is 21 if i'm not mistaken.
The Chinese youngster, signed back in January 2004, has impressed during The Red Devils' pre-season campaign and Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that the 21-year-old could bypass work permit regulations by securing European nationality in December.
Dong will be able to take a European passport after spending three years on loan in Belgium with Royal Antwerp, leaving him free to finally start his career at Old Trafford.
However such a move would render his Chinese nationality invalid under the rules of the Asian country, meaning his international career would effectively be compromised.
Now Zhu, despite his delight at United's apparent high opinion of the player, has warned that Dong may not concede to their wishes regarding his nationality.
"I am very pleased that Manchester United have recognised Dong's ability as he is a very talented player," said Zhu.
"I know that he is capable of performing at a high level and it would be a great honour for him to play for Manchester United in The English Premier League.
"However, our government does not allow dual nationality and since Dong is an important member of the team that we are preparing for the 2008 Olympics, I don't think that he would give up his Chinese nationality in order to get a passport in Europe."
If Zhu is proved correct then United will still hope to secure a work permit on the basis that the forward has played four times for his country, or on appeal that he represents an outstanding talent.
"We could apply for a work permit on the fact the lad has played four times for China," said Ferguson earlier in the week.
"We might be able to get a work permit on potential as it stands on appeal."
Could be largely down to how much Dong wants it, is it worth United keeping him if he decides against it? No criticism aimed at him but he's never played in England and is 21 if i'm not mistaken.
