Screenshot from www.manutd.com

Manchester United, one of the richest soccer clubs in the world and a contender for this season's English Premier league title, is to start broadcasting its own television channel in China, the Financial Times reported, citing Arthur Wei, senior vice president at Sina Sports.

Sina, an online sports platform, will begin broadcasting MUTV, the English club's 24-hour television channel, on its website, mobile site and smartphone app from next Sunday.

MUTV includes match highlights, features, player interviews and news on the club's activities.

Wei was quoted as saying "the deal will make great strides to change the way China watches and understands the game of football."

The Financial Times did not say how much money changed hands over the agreement.

To contact the reporter: chris@mail.chinadailyuk.com