Manchester United’s leadership has found itself under unwanted scrutiny once again. However, this time the focus is not on performances on the pitch.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sparked major controversy after remarks about migrants during an interview with Sky News. The Manchester United co-owner said:
“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? I mean, the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, now it’s 70 million. That’s 12 million people.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded publicly. He wrote on X:
“Offensive and wrong. Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse country. Jim Ratcliffe should apologise.”
As a result, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now issued a clarification. He said:
“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.”
Now, the Football Association are understood to be assessing whether his remarks could bring the game into disrepute.
The governing body could launch an investigation before deciding on any formal charge. Meanwhile, Manchester United Supporters Trust said on X:
“No fan should feel excluded from following or supporting the club because of their race, religion, nationality or background.”
Manchester United part-owner has told @EdConwaySky the UK has been “colonised” by immigrants, who are draining resources from the state, as he warns of the country facing profound political, social and economic challenges.
🔗 https://t.co/bie6uFZ1Tp pic.twitter.com/qFpiO0HkfO
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 11, 2026
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