Sina Sports

As part of the deal, Sina Sports secured exclusive rights to broadcast the club’s dedicated MUTV channel, allowing United’s 108million Chinese followers unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access to the club.

Sina Sports made MUTV programming available across the full spectrum of its digital platform, which includes its website, mobile site, and mobile app, giving fans greater flexibility on how they follow their favourite club.

MUTV programming includes full, as-live coverage and highlights of every Manchester United first-team match, coverage of the manager’s weekly press conference, and pre-match build up with club legends. In addition, MUTV shows exclusive interviews with the manager and players, as well as documentaries, club news and much more.

Manchester United group managing director Richard Arnold commented: “This is an important and exciting partnership, not only for Manchester United but also for our Chinese fans. The club works tirelessly on new and innovative ways in which we can engage with our fans and this is a classic example of how our commercial partnerships allow us to do this.

“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.”

Arthur Wei, Sina's senior vice president and GM of Sina Sports, added: “This partnership is a great example of the vision we have to provide Chinese fans with more and more diversified, deeper sports content. Manchester United has deservedly gained over 100million fans in China and we are excited to see how the club will grow its following through this historic launch. We anticipate this will make great strides to change the way China watches and understands the game of football.”