Manchester United Reaffirms ‘Inclusive’ Values After Ratcliffe Immigration Remarks

Manchester United has reiterated its commitment to being an “inclusive and welcoming” institution following controversial comments made by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding immigration in the United Kingdom.

Ratcliffe said he was sorry if he had “offended some people” after stating in a televised interview that the UK had been “colonised by immigrants” — remarks that drew sharp criticism from senior political figures and supporters’ groups.

Club Statement Emphasises Inclusivity

In a statement released on Thursday, United sought to distance the club’s values from the controversy.

“Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club,” the Premier League side said.

“Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters reflect the history and heritage of Manchester — a city that anyone can call home.

“Since launching the All Red All Equal campaign in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.

“We remain deeply committed to the principles and spirit of that campaign. They are reflected not only in our policies but also in our culture, reinforced by our attainment of the Premier League’s Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard.”

Political Backlash and FA Review

Ratcliffe’s remarks, made during an interview with Sky News, were strongly criticised by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Sources have indicated that the The Football Association (FA) is aware of the comments and is reviewing the matter.

Should a formal investigation proceed, it may focus on FA Rule E3.1, which requires participants to act in the best interests of the game and prohibits conduct that brings football into disrepute, including the use of abusive or insulting language. Rule E3.2 provides for an aggravated breach where remarks reference protected characteristics such as race, nationality or religion.

As a co-owner of Manchester United, Ratcliffe is subject to FA regulations as a participant in the game.

Ratcliffe Issues Clarification

In a subsequent statement issued on Thursday, Ratcliffe expressed regret over his phrasing but defended his broader argument.

“I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern,” he said.

“My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.

“My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”

However, the Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club said the apology did not go far enough.

In a statement, the group said: “We have noted Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s apology for his ‘choice of language’. However, we do not believe this sufficiently addresses the seriousness of what was said.

“The term ‘colonised’ was repeated and used to describe modern Britain. That language carries significant weight and cannot be dismissed as simply poor phrasing.

“Expressing regret for causing offence is not the same as acknowledging the wider impact of the words used. Leadership requires accountability as well as openness to debate.”

Burnham Responds

Andy Burnham, who is part of a group of local leaders working with Ratcliffe and United on regeneration plans for the Old Trafford area, also issued a firm rebuke.

“These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood — a place where people of all races and faiths have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United,” Burnham said.

“Calling for curbs on levels of immigration is one thing; portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force is quite another. It is inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory and should be withdrawn.”

He added that international footballers and migrant workers had enriched Greater Manchester, citing contributions across professional sport, the NHS and essential industries.

In remarks widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of the club’s majority owners, the Glazer family, Burnham concluded: “If any criticism is needed, it should be directed towards those who have offered little contribution to our life here and have instead spent years siphoning wealth out of one of our proudest institutions.”