Manchester United’s owners, the Glazers, are concerned that Mr Ratcliffe’s comments on immigration will damage the club’s reputation and the possibility of building a new £1bn stadium.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe apologizes to the Glazers for comments he made on immigration this week (Image: Getty Images)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologized to the Glazers for controversial comments on immigration that embarrassed Manchester United.
Mr Ratcliffe is believed to have contacted his fellow business partners to explain himself and the disturbance he had caused.
Mr Ratcliffe sparked outrage by claiming in an interview that immigrants had “colonized” Britain. The backlash was immense and Prime Minister Keir Starmer demanded an apology from the billionaire, which he did. The FA is currently reviewing the comments and deciding whether to launch a full-scale investigation. The damage done to United’s image and reputation during that time was enormous.
The Glazers are said to have major concerns about how the backlash from Mr Ratcliffe’s comments will affect United’s future relationships with sponsors and commercial partners.
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Meanwhile, there are concerns about how this week’s events could affect United’s hopes of building a new stadium.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham branded Mr Ratcliffe’s comments “inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory”. Burnham has worked closely with Ratcliffe and United on plans to regenerate Old Trafford or build a new £1bn stadium. The Glazer family is keen to see this project come to fruition as it would improve United’s reputation.
However, this project relies on collaboration between clubs, local authorities and leaders across Greater Manchester.
Mr Ratcliffe, who bought United’s stake in 2024 for £1.25bn, issued a statement on Thursday after his comments sparked an avalanche of backlash.
Ratcliffe pictured with CEO Omar Berada and Abram Glazer (Image: Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
“I regret that my choice of words has offended some people in the UK and Europe, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth,” he said.
“My comments were made in response to questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of UK economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing.
“My intention was to emphasize that governments must manage immigration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by all.
“It is important that we maintain an open debate about the challenges facing the UK.”
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