Dong gets green light

The China forward has enjoyed the occasional pre-season appearance but his football has been mostly consigned to the Belgian Jupiler League with United's feeder club Royal Antwerp.

However, the 21-year-old has now acquired sufficient international recognition to earn a place in United's squad.

"Dong has been doing exceptionally well and scoring a lot of goals at Antwerp," Ferguson explained to MUTV.

"He has great pace and power and the boy has a big chance."

Highly-rated Northern Irishman Jonny Evans and full back Danny Simpson are also due back from Belgium while Giuseppe Rossi, Chris Eagles, Lee Martin and Phil Bardsley will also swell Ferguson's ranks.

There is the prospect of a number of these players being loaned out again depending on the level of interest in their services in the New Year.