Manchester United announced on Tuesday they are opening a series of "entertainment and experience centres" in China as they seek to capitalise on a huge fanbase in the world's most populous country. The first centres, developed in partnership with Chinese property developer Harves, are scheduled to open in Beijing ,Shanghai and Shenyang by the end of 2020. Arsenal last year opened a club-themed sports bar and restaurant in Shanghai and French side Paris Saint-Germain also have a hub in the same city, equipped with indoor football pitches and a bar.

Each venue at the Manchester United centres will feature "interactive and immersive experiences" and will include restaurants and a club store, the Premier League club said in a statement. "We first visited China in 1975 and we're proud to have seen our fan base in the region grow and develop their passion for United over the years," said Manchester United's group managing director Richard Arnold. "This new concept will allow them to get closer to the club they love."

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2019