China international Dong Fangzhou will get the chance to live his Manchester United dream after the Red Devils finally secured a work permit for the young striker. Dong has been limited to sporadic appearances on a couple of pre-season tours as United attempted to get over the red tape which prevented him from playing in England.

However, after spending three years on loan at Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp, during which time he has won seven caps for his national side, Dong has now been cleared to link up with United on a permanent basis. The 21-year-old, signed from Dalian Shide for £3.5m (€5.1m) – a record for Chinese football – will head to England on January 1.

Dong will be one of seven loan players due to return to Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson attempts to bolster his squad ahead of a prolonged title push, with the United boss due to welcome new arrival Henrik Larsson into the camp tomorrow ahead of a week’s training before the Swedish star begins his 10-week stint at the club next month.