Manchester United in a state of confusion after Ratcliffe's controversial comments

Manchester United is now busy straightening out a controversial statement from one of its owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Instagram/@manutd).

JAKARTA - Manchester United said on Thursday, February 12, 2026, local time, that the club is proud to be inclusive and welcoming after a claim by one of its owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, that Britain had been colonized by immigrants.

"You can't have an economy with 9 million people on benefits and a large number of immigrants coming in."

"I mean, Britain is being colonized. It's spending too much money. Britain has been colonized by immigrants," Ratcliffe said in an interview with Sky News.

Ratcliffe said he was sorry if he had offended some people for his remarks in the interview on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

"I regret that my choice of words has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern."

"However, it is important to raise the issue of immigration that is controlled and managed well that supports economic growth."

"My comments were made in response to a question about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I discussed the importance of economic growth, employment, skills and manufacturing in the UK."

"My intention is to emphasize that the government must manage migration in conjunction with investment in skills, industries, and employment so that long-term prosperity can be enjoyed by everyone."

"It is vital that we maintain an open debate about the challenges facing Britain," Ratcliffe said on Thursday.

Launching ESPN, the English Football Association (FA) is aware of Ratcliffe's comments and is investigating the matter.

Considering that Ratcliffe's comments have spread widely, Manchester United has even had to make an official statement to calm the atmosphere.

"Manchester United is proud to be an inclusive and welcoming club. Our diverse group of players, staff and global supporter community reflect the history and heritage of Manchester - a city that anyone can call home."

"Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have instilled equality, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do."

"We remain deeply committed to the principles and spirit of the campaign. These principles and spirit are reflected in our policies, as well as in our culture, and are reinforced by our adherence to the Premier League's Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standards," said Manchester United.

However, Ratcliffe's attempt to retract his statement did not have much effect on the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club (MUMSC), which issued an unsatisfactory response.

"We have noted Sir Jim Ratcliffe's apology for his choice of language. However, we do not believe this is enough to address the seriousness of what was said."

"The term 'colonized' is repeated and used to describe modern Britain. The language has significant weight and cannot be ignored as just a bad choice of words."

"Expressing regret for having offended is not the same as acknowledging the wider impact of the words used."

"Leadership requires accountability and openness to debate," the group said.

Meanwhile, if the FA chooses to formally investigate the comments, the investigation may focus on FA Rule E3.1, which covers general activity.

"A participant must always act in the best interests of the game and must not act in any way that is inappropriate or tarnishes the reputation of the game or uses any, or a combination of, violent behavior, serious violations, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting behavior," the rules read.

Rule E3.2 states that a violation of Rule E3.1 shall be deemed a 'serious offense' if it includes reference, whether explicit or implicit, to any or all of the following--ethnic origin, color, race, nationality, religion or belief, sex, gender change, sexual orientation, or disability.

Ratcliffe, as a co-owner of the club, is subject to FA rules as a participant.

Not only in the footballing world, Ratcliffe's comments also drew the attention of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham who also criticized him.

Burnham, who is part of a group of local officials working with Ratcliffe and Manchester United on the regeneration of Old Trafford, said one of the Red Devils' owners' comments was at odds with Manchester's 'culture'.

"These comments are contrary to everything Manchester has traditionally stood for - a place where people of all races and creeds have come together for centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United."

"Calling for limiting the level of immigration is one thing, describing those who come here as a hostile invading force is another."

"It is inaccurate, insulting and provocative and must be retracted. Football players who come from all over the world to play in Greater Manchester have improved the lives of our city region, as have many people working in NHS Greater Manchester and other vital services and industries."

"We appreciate their contribution as a city region known for our warm welcome," said Burnham.

The mayor of Greater Manchester further discussed what appeared to be a criticism of the Glazer family who hold a majority stake in Mancheter United.

"If there is criticism that is needed, it should be directed at those who have contributed little to our lives here and instead spent years draining the wealth from one of our proudest institutions," he said.