Manchester United continue to search for talent in China despite the failure of striker Dong Fangzhuo to flourish at the club, coach Alex Ferguson said on Saturday.

The Chinese international left the English Premier League champions last year after a frustrating four-year spell at Old Trafford following his £500,000 transfer from Dalian Shide in 2004.

After a lengthy wait for a work permit, 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.

Speaking after United arrived in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou on the last leg of their pre-season tour of Asia, Ferguson praised Dong’s attitude and said the club were interested in good players wherever they found them.

“We’re always searching for talent throughout the world. We had Dong for a couple of years. Unfortunately it didn’t work out for him and he’s back playing in China,” said Ferguson.

“He was a good boy and a good professional and did his very best.

“And that continues. If we see potential we want to try and bring it to Manchester United as we’ve done with the Brazilian players and Argentinian players.”