Manchester United reaffirm commitment to inclusion after Ratcliffe immigration remarks

• United issue formal statement defending club values
• FA aware of comments and assessing next steps
• Supporters group says apology does not go far enough

Manchester United have stressed their commitment to inclusion and equality after co owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe apologised for comments in which he claimed the United Kingdom had been colonised by immigrants.

The club released a statement on Thursday emphasising its values and cultural identity, following widespread criticism of Ratcliffe’s remarks made during a Sky News interview on Wednesday. The comments prompted condemnation from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and several supporter groups.

United said the club takes pride in being inclusive and welcoming, pointing to its diverse workforce, squad and global fan base as a reflection of Manchester’s history and heritage.

“Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club,” the statement read. “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 All Red All Equal 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, which are reflected in our policies, our culture and our actions.”

Sources have told ESPN that the Football Association is aware of Ratcliffe’s comments and is considering whether a formal investigation is required. Any review would likely focus on FA Rule E3.1, which requires participants to act in the best interests of the game and not behave in a manner that brings football into disrepute.

Ratcliffe, who holds a minority stake in United and oversees football operations, issued his own apology earlier on Thursday, saying he regretted his choice of language and any offence caused.

“I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern,” Ratcliffe said. “My intention was to stress the importance of controlled and well managed immigration that supports economic growth. It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”

The Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club said the apology failed to address the seriousness of the remarks, arguing that the language used carried wider social implications.

“The term colonised was repeated and used to describe modern Britain,” the group said. “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.”

Burnham also criticised the comments, describing them as inaccurate and inflammatory, while highlighting the contribution made by immigrants to Manchester and its football heritage.

“These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood,” he said. “Footballers from across the world have enhanced our city and our clubs, just as many people working in essential services continue to do every day.”

Ratcliffe’s remarks have added further scrutiny to his leadership role at Old Trafford, where United are undergoing significant structural and sporting reform following years of decline. While his apology sought to calm the political fallout, the reaction from supporters and civic leaders underlined the sensitivity surrounding language, identity and responsibility in modern football governance.