Manchester United issued a statement asserting their identity as an 'inclusive and welcoming club' just hours after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe made incendiary remarks regarding immigrants. Ratcliffe's comments, which referred to the UK being 'colonised' by immigrants, drew immediate backlash from various politicians, including a demand for an apology from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

In light of the criticism, Manchester United's statement aimed to reassure supporters and the public about their values, emphasizing the club's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The club did not explicitly mention Ratcliffe's remarks or respond to the political discourse surrounding them, instead choosing to focus on their ethos as a football institution that supports a diverse community of fans.

Ratcliffe's comments and the subsequent fallout highlight ongoing tensions in the UK regarding immigration and national identity. The situation reflects the challenges faced by public figures and organizations when navigating sensitive topics, particularly within the politically charged context of current immigration debates in the UK.