The pre-season game between Manchester United and Manchester City in China on Monday is off because heavy rain has left the pitch in Beijing unplayable.

Both City and United said "tournament organisers and clubs" decided to cancel the match at the 2008 Olympic Stadium.

Organisers later said the match will not be rearranged.

Rain had fallen overnight in Beijing and there were forecasts of more heavy rain on Monday.

"The cancellation was made in the interest of player safety and comes following extreme weather events in Beijing over a multiple day period, that have left the playing surface in a condition deemed to be unfit for play," a statement said.

"The conditions experienced in Beijing on 19 July and 20 July were reported as being some of the most extreme weather conditions the capital of China has experienced in recent history."