Manchester United pre-season tour to take place in China

The club will spend eight days in the country

Manchester United fans on the club's last tour of China in 2013 (Getty Images)

Manchester United have announced they spend eight days in China for a pre-season tour in the summer.

The club will play two matches in the country as part of their preparation for the 2016-17 season.

There is some speculation that United will play local rivals Manchester City, who are also in China to play in the International Champions Cup, but no further details have yet been announced.

United claimed on their official website that they have 107 million followers in China, making it "the country with more Manchester United fans than any other in the world".

The club have toured the nation nation 10 times, the first visit was in 1975, and have played 12 matches against local clubs.

United last visited China in 2013.

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

"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."