Dong released by United

Chinese striker Dong Fangzhuo left Manchester United on Thursday after his contract with the European champions was cancelled by mutual consent.

Dong, 23, endured a frustrating four-year spell at Old Trafford after his 500,000 pounds transfer from Dalian Shide in 2004.

He spent two years on loan at Royal Antwerp, scoring 35 goals in 61 games, as he waited for a work permit to play in England.

When Dong was finally given the green light to play for United, he made his debut in a goalless draw at Chelsea in May 2007 – becoming the first Chinese player to represent United.

But that proved to be a false dawn. He made two only more appearances last season and spent most of the campaign watching from the sidelines as United stormed to a Premier League and Champions League double.

“Dong Fangzhuo's United contract has been cancelled by mutual consent,” a statement on United's website confirmed.