China

China striker makes debut for Man United

(AP)
Updated: 2007-05-10 08:57

Dong Fangzhuo of China is challenged by player during their English premier League soccer match at Stamford Bridge,England,May 10,2007.[sina.com]

Dong Fangzhuo finally his first competitive start for Manchester United in a 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Wednesday, and did little to suggest could be Wayne Rooney's regular strike partner.

Repeatedly beaten in the air by Chelsea's England captain John Terry, Dong rarely worried the Blues defense. When he had a chance from just outside the area midway through the first half he shot well wide of the near post.

He was eventually replaced by Rooney in the 73rd minute having made little impact alongside veteran striker Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and young winger Chris Eagles.

Manager Alex Ferguson, whose team clinched the Premier League title on Sunday, rested Cristiano Ronaldo and kept Rooney on the bench until late in the game.

"Some of the performance was good at times but we tired in the last 15 minutes," Ferguson said. "Players like Kieran Lee, Chris Eagles and Dong were spent forces by the end."

Dong joined the Red Devils in January 2004 but was loaned to Belgian side Royal Antwerp while he waited for a work permit to play in England. At Antwerp, the striker scored 35 goals in 61 games.

Dong also played on United's last two preseason tours, scoring in a 1-0 win over the Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa and was included in a lineup that played a Europe XI in a charity game at Old Trafford in March.