London, Jan 8 (IANS): English Premier League (EPL) giants Manchester United are to open a series of club-themed entertainment and experience centres throughout China, the club revealed in a statement on Tuesday.

The EPL club, which has over 100 million followers on Chinese social media, will build the centres in partnership with Chinese property developer Harves, reports Xinhua news agency.

The first centres are scheduled to open in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenyang by the end of 2020. The Beijing centre will be located in the historic Qianmen Dashilan area next to Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City.

"Fans who visit will be able to experience the thrill of a matchday at Old Trafford, as well as learning about the history and heritage of English football's most successful and storied club," the statement added.

"We're very excited to be partnering with Harves on the Manchester United Entertainment and Experience Centres concept, offering our millions of Chinese fans the chance to experience the club in a new and innovative way," said Manchester United's Group Managing Director Richard Arnold.

"We first visited China in 1975 and we're proud to have seen our fanbase in the region grow and develop their passion for United over the years. This new concept will allow them to get closer to the club they love."