The one-time teenage prodigy suffered a heartbreaking fate.
One Man Utd flop wanted to avoid being spotted
One Man Utd flop wanted to avoid being spotted (Image: Getty)
Much was expected of Dong Fangzhuo when he became the first East Asian player to sign for Manchester United in the early 2000s. Having impressed in his native China, Fangzhuo moved to the Red Devils for a modest £500,000 in 2004 from Chinese side Dalian Shide.
Such was the potential United saw in the striker, the deal could’ve risen to a whopping £3.5million if all bonuses were met. There was never any danger of that happening though, as no sooner had Fangzhuo signed on the dotted line at Old Trafford that the Chinese international began encountering problems.
The first issue for Fangzhuo, a work permit. He was banned from playing for the senior side because of this and, as a result, was loaned out to Belgian First Division side Royal Antwerp. One goal in nine appearances didn’t exactly set the world alight, but during a second campaign with Antwerp, Fangzhuo found the net in six of his first seven appearances of the season.
Upon his return to United, Fangzhuo was granted a spot on the club’s pre-season tour of the Far East. But still without a work permit, he’d be forced to spend another season out on loan with Antwerp, who by this point had been relegated to the second tier.
It wouldn’t be until December 2006 - almost three years after signing - that Fangzhuo eventually earned eligibility to play for United. However, it wouldn’t exactly prove a prosperous relationship, as Fangzhuo managed just three senior appearances before the one-time prodigy’s contract was terminated ahead of the 2008/09 season.
Kaizer Chiefs v Manchester United
Dong Fangzhuo had a troubled time at Man Utd (Image: Getty)
What followed was somewhat of a magical mystery tour, with Fangzhuo playing in Poland, Portugal, and Armenia, before heading back to China. The once face of Chinese football retired in 2014, but in the years that followed, it doesn’t appear that he’s been able to shake the shame.
So much so, it’s even been claimed he went on Chinese TV to undergo facial surgery in search of a new identity. An excerpt from a Marca report in 2016 read: “Recently the former striker, who retired before turning 30, popped up on Chinese television in search of a fresh identity, physically as well as mentally, as he underwent facial surgery to halt the mockery he faced on a daily basis as a footballing failure.”
From once rubbing shoulders with Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, to wanting to change your identity to escape past failures… what a brutal, but heartbreaking end.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy