Manchester United TV channel to broadcast in China

The move comes as English Premier League clubs scramble to grab a lucrative slice of the emerging football market in the world's most-populous country.

"Manchester United has deservedly won over 100 million fans in China and we are excited to see how the club will grow its following through this historic launch," explained Arthur Wei, senior vice president of Sina Sports.

"We anticipate this will make great strides to change the way China watches and understands the game of football."

United's group managing director Richard Arnold said: "MUTV broadcasting in China is not only a first for Manchester United, but also a first for any 24/7 dedicated Premier League club channel.

"We couldn't have found a better partner to work with on this than Sina Sports."