Manchester United Squad Reacts to Co-Owner's Controversial Immigration Remarks
Several Manchester United players have reportedly been left "alarmed" following extraordinary comments made by club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding immigration in the United Kingdom. The billionaire businessman claimed during a recent interview that Britain was being "colonised by immigrants," sparking widespread backlash from political figures, supporters' groups, and anti-racism charities.
Ratcliffe's Controversial Statements and Immediate Fallout
Sir Jim Ratcliffe made his inflammatory remarks during an interview with Sky News at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp. The 73-year-old INEOS chief executive stated: "You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK has been colonised. It's costing too much money. The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it?"
Ratcliffe further claimed inaccurately that the UK population had grown from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million currently. Official Office for National Statistics data shows the population was actually approximately 67 million in mid-2020 and reached 70 million in mid-2024, with the 58.9 million figure dating back to the year 2000.
Political and Public Backlash Intensifies
The backlash against Ratcliffe's comments has been substantial and continues to grow. Prime Minister Keir Starmer demanded an apology from the billionaire, which was subsequently issued in what many have described as a "mealy-mouthed" statement. In his apology, Ratcliffe expressed regret for his "choice of language" but maintained his position on the need for controlled immigration policies.
Among those who have publicly criticized Ratcliffe are:
- Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
- Various Manchester United supporters' groups
- Multiple anti-racism charities and organizations
Manchester United's Official Response and Dressing Room Reaction
Manchester United took the unusual step of releasing an official club statement on Thursday following the controversy. While the statement emphasized the club's pride in being an inclusive organization with a "diverse group of players," it notably did not mention Ratcliffe by name or directly address his comments.
According to reports from the Mail, a significant portion of United's squad—which includes no fewer than 17 overseas players—has been particularly disturbed by Ratcliffe's remarks. One insider warned that the billionaire's rant "wouldn't go down well with the players," while another source close to the dressing room accused him of being "out of touch" with the multicultural reality of modern football.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Controversy
The controversy surrounding Ratcliffe's comments continues to develop, with many questioning how his views align with Manchester United's stated values of diversity and inclusion. As a resident of tax haven Monaco, Ratcliffe has also faced criticism for his own financial arrangements while commenting on UK economic matters.
In his apology statement, Ratcliffe attempted to clarify his position: "I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth. 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."
The situation highlights the complex intersection of sports ownership, political commentary, and social responsibility in modern football. With Manchester United's diverse international squad directly affected by such rhetoric, the club faces ongoing challenges in balancing the views of its ownership with the values it publicly promotes.
