Park Ji-Sung's Olympic dream in doubt as coach is wary of upsetting United

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Park Sung-hwa had originally included Ji-Sung in the 40-man squad named in April with the intention of using him as one of the three allotted 'over-age' players at this summer's games in Beijing.

But the coach appears unwilling to jeopardise Ji-Sung's standing at Old Trafford.

Olympic uncertainty: Park Ji-Sung must wait to find out if he'll play for Korea in Beijing

He told the Korea Times: "Ji-sung is not as established as a Cristiano Ronaldo and not in a position where he has a strong opinion about a move that could stand against the club's interest.

"The Olympic tournament overlaps with the opening of the new Premier League season and joining the team in Beijing would require a lot of sacrifices on his part.

"We also need to consider his participation in the month-long World Cup qualifiers and the Manchester United training camp."

Having missed the first half of last season with a long-term knee injury, Ji-Sung became an increasingly important part of the United side on his return, although he was left out of the squad that triumphed over Chelsea in Moscow.

Ji-sung himself admitted the final decision as to whether he would play was ultimately out of his hands.

Speaking prior to Korea's 2-2 draw in a World Cup qualifier with Jordan in Seoul, where he opened the scoring Ji-Sung said: "That's not something I can decide myself.

"If I play in the Olympics, I'll be able to help the juniors exempted from military service by winning a medal.

"Or if I stay with Manchester United, I'll be able to devote myself to preparing for the next season.

"Whatever happens, there will be something I have to give up."

Combined with a schedule that features four World Cup qualifiers in 23 days for South Korea, competing at the Olympics on the eve of the new Premier League season would prove physically punishing for Park, as well as unpopular with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Gabriel Heinze incurred the Scot's wrath when lining up for Argentina in Athens four years ago and Park Sung-hwa does not want to put his country's star player in a similarly difficult situation.