Manchester United will visit China in the summer

Manchester United have announced plans to travel to China as part of their pre-season preparations for the 2016-17 campaign.

United will spend eight days in the country and play two matches with details for the rest of their summer plans to be announced in due course.

There has been speculation United could play neighbours City, who are also visiting China to play in the International Champions Cup tournament, but opponents and dates for the games have not yet been confirmed.

United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "Manchester United have strong historical links with China and we are very proud of our relationship and of our fans throughout the country.

"A total of almost 500,000 supporters have attended previous games during our visits to China and we have always enjoyed exceptional support in the country, so naturally it is something that everybody is very much looking forward to this summer."

United estimate they have more than 107m followers in China.

They first toured the country in 1975 and have made nine further visits since.