Manchester United chief Ed Woodward has assured Chinese fans they will return.

Woodward's comments came after their derby with Manchester City in Beijing was cancelled on Monday after heavy rain left the pitch at the Bird's Nest Stadium unplayable.

"It's extremely disappointing not to be able to play the game in this amazing stadium, but the recent torrential rain would have caused problems anywhere in the world and has left the pitch unplayable,' said Woodward, who only arrived in the Chinese capital on Sunday," said Woodward.

"We know our fans in China will, like the players and staff, be saddened by the cancellation of the match, but I am sure they appreciate that the player safety has to be the top priority. I am sure we will return to the Bird's Nest in the future to give them the chance to see the team in action."