Man United to open ‘experience centres’ in China

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 . ”

China has become an important pre -season destination for European clubs , competing with the United States to draw top teams .

United said last year they had more than 107 million followers in China , describing the country as one of the club’ s most important markets .

The 20 - time English champions built an enormous global fanbase during the 1990 s and 2000 s , a period in which they dominated the Premier League .