dong_fangzhou
 |
| Name: Dong Fangzhou |
Nationality: China |
| Position: forward |
Signing Information: Transferred from: Dalian Shide, 13/01/2004, £3.5m |
| Birthdate: 23-01-1985 |
Years at Club: 2004-2008 |
| Age: (39) |
Debut: 09/05/2007 v Chelsea (A) 0-0 (Premiership) |
| Birthplace: Dalian, Liaoning, China |
Previous clubs: Dalian Saidelong, Dalian Shide, Royal Antwerp (loan) |
| Height: 6' 1" (1.85m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Contract cancelled by mutual consent 28/08/2008 |
| Weight: 11st 11lbs (74.84kg) |
Passed Away: |
 |
Dong Fangzhuo is a former Chinese footballer who made history by becoming the first player from China to sign for Manchester United. Known for his pace and potential, Dong's move to Manchester United was seen as a significant milestone for Chinese football. However, despite showing early promise, his time at Old Trafford was marked by limited playing opportunities, and he eventually struggled to make an impact at the highest level. Nevertheless, Dong remains a notable figure as a pioneer for Chinese players in European football.
Early Career and Move to Manchester United
Dong began his career at Dalian Shide, one of China’s most successful clubs at the time. His performances as a young forward with speed and goal-scoring potential attracted the attention of Manchester United, who signed him in 2004 for a reported fee of £500,000, which could rise to £3.5 million depending on appearances and performance bonuses.
However, due to work permit issues in the UK, Dong was initially unable to play for Manchester United and was loaned out to Royal Antwerp in Belgium to gain experience and meet the eligibility criteria for a work permit.
Loan Spell at Royal Antwerp (2004–2006)
During his time at Royal Antwerp, Dong showed glimpses of his potential, becoming a key player for the club. His pace, strength, and ability to score goals made him one of Antwerp’s standout performers. He scored 35 goals in 61 appearances during his loan spell, raising hopes that he could make an impact when he returned to Manchester United.
Manchester United Career (2004–2008)
Dong returned to Manchester United in 2006 after securing a work permit, and made his debut in a Premier League match against Chelsea in May 2007, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Although he had some opportunities to feature for the first team, including in the League Cup and Champions League, Dong’s appearances were limited due to intense competition from more established forwards like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Carlos Tevez.
In total, Dong made only three appearances for Manchester United’s first team and did not score any goals during his time at the club. Despite the limited game time, his signing generated significant media attention in China and helped strengthen Manchester United’s commercial ties with the country.
Post-Manchester United Career
After leaving Manchester United in 2008, Dong had a brief spell with Legia Warsaw in Poland, but he struggled to settle. He later returned to China, playing for several clubs, including his former team Dalian Shide, before joining Portimonense in Portugal and retiring from professional football in 2014.
International Career with China
Dong also represented the China national team, earning 13 caps and scoring 1 goal. Although he never fully established himself as a regular for the national team, Dong’s presence on the international stage helped raise the profile of Chinese footballers abroad.
While Dong Fangzhuo’s time at Manchester United did not lead to long-term success, his signing remains significant as a trailblazer for Chinese footballers in Europe. His move to United paved the way for future Chinese players to pursue careers in European football, and his journey continues to be an important chapter in the story of Chinese football's globalization. |
 |
| |
| League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| No |
Season |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1 |
2006-2007 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| 2 |
2007-2008 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
| TOTALS |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
|
