Manchester United has issued a statement reiterating its commitment to diversity and inclusion after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparked widespread condemnation with comments about immigration. The club said it prides itself on being an 'inclusive and welcoming' organisation, with players, staff and supporters reflecting the history of Manchester as 'a city that anyone can call home'. The statement did not name Ratcliffe directly but was clearly in response to his remarks.
Ratcliffe, who owns a minority stake in the club, told Sky News on Wednesday that the UK was being 'colonised by immigrants' and claimed there were 9 million people on benefits. The comments drew immediate criticism from anti-discrimination groups and politicians. He issued a partial apology on Thursday, saying he regretted that his 'choice of language has offended some people'. The Football Association is now looking into whether his words brought the game into disrepute.
Kick It Out described Ratcliffe's language as 'disgraceful and deeply divisive', while Show Racism the Red Card warned that such rhetoric fuels division and hostility towards minority groups. The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club also condemned the remarks, stating that the 'strength of our club, and of our country, lies in that diversity'.
Ratcliffe's tenure at United has been controversial, with fans criticising his handling of football operations. The supporters' group the 1958 accused him of commenting on UK issues while living in Monaco to avoid tax. The club's on-field performance under interim manager Michael Carrick has also drawn criticism after the failed appointment of Ruben Amorim.
