Chinese international footballer Dong Fangzhuo (L) displays a Premiership supremos Manchester United's banner with the team's manager Alex Ferguson Jan. 17, 2007. (Photo: sina.com)

China striker Dong Fangzhuo and Manchester United on Wednesday signed a new contract, which will assure the 21-year-old to play for the English Premier League soccer club until 2010.

Dong had been on loan at Belgian side Royal Antwerp since he joined the Red Devils in January 2004.

The rising star, who is to wear the No. 21 shirt, will be United's first Chinese player, but it is unclear when he will make his debut.

At Antwerp, Dong scored 35 goals in 61 games.

Dong has also played on United's last two preseason tours, scoring in July's 1-0 win over the Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa.

Editor: Donald