Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has faced backlash from the club’s supporters trust after claiming the UK has been “colonised by immigrants”. The billionaire, who is founder and chairman of Ineos, made the comments in an interview with Sky News, where he also defended “difficult” decisions taken at United since acquiring a stake two years ago.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust said on X: “Manchester United belongs to all of its supporters. No fan should feel excluded from following or supporting the club because of their race, religion, nationality or background. Comments from the club's senior leadership should make inclusion easier, not harder.” The trust added that the remarks risked marginalising parts of the fanbase.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the comments “offensive and wrong” and called for an apology. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also condemned the remarks, stating they “go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood”. Burnham urged Ratcliffe to withdraw the comments, describing them as “inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory”.
Anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out labelled the remarks “disgraceful and deeply divisive”, while the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club expressed concern that such language could stoke far-right hate towards minority groups. Ratcliffe also described Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as an “intelligent man” with “good intentions”.
The controversy comes amid ongoing fan protests against United’s ownership, including Ratcliffe, over ticket pricing and other changes. A banner was displayed at a recent match criticising the co-owner’s immigration comments.
