Park Sung-hwa had originally included the Manchester United midfielder 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.

Having missed the first half of last season with a long-term knee injury, Park became an increasingly important part of the United side on his return as they went on to land both the Premier League and Champions League titles, although he was left out of the squad that triumphed over Chelsea in Moscow.

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 Red Devils manager 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.

"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," he told the Korea Times.

"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."

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

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

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

"Or if 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."