Man Utd sign Dong

Sir Alex Ferguson will have to wait before seeing Dong in action

Manchester United have completed the signing of teenage Chinese striker Dong Fangzhou from Dalian Shide.

But because the youngster does not qualify for a UK work permit, he will begin his United career next season at Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp.

United will pay £500,000 for the 18-year-old - which could rise to £3.5m depending on appearances.

If Dong is a success, United would benefit from an explosion of interest in the world's most populous country.

But he faces several hurdles before he becomes an Old Trafford regular.

I hope this young lad proves all the doubters wrong and proves himself a success From DWF Have your say on 606

He could either apply for a Belgian passport - which would allow him to play in England - or have played in 75% of China's international matches during the next two years to qualify for a work permit.

Under the terms of the deal, United are reported to be sending two or three coaches to work with Dalian Shide's development squad.

Dong, who was also linked with Real Madrid and Inter Milan, emerged as the cream of a crop of youngsters sent by China's top clubs to England for trials in August.