EXCLUSIVE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised to fellow Manchester United co-owners the Glazers for his controversial comments about immigration as concerns over damaging the club's reputation mount
16:40, 13 Feb 2026
BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 21: Avram Glazer, co owner alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of Ineos and co-owner of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for the Glazers for his immigration comments(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA, Getty Images)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has issued an apology to the Glazers for his controversial remarks on immigration, which have cast a shadow over Manchester United. It's believed that Ratcliffe reached out to his co-owners to clarify his comments and express regret for the uproar they sparked.
Ratcliffe ignited a firestorm of criticism when he suggested in an interview that immigrants had "colonised" the UK. The backlash was swift and severe, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calling on the billionaire to apologise - a demand he complied with.
Now, the FA is scrutinising Ratcliffe's comments, weighing up whether to initiate a full-blown investigation. Meanwhile, the impact on United's image and reputation has been significant.
BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 21: Avram Glazer and Sir Jim Ratcliffe look on ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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The Glazers are concerned about Ratcliffe's comments damaging Manchester United's value(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
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The Glazers are reportedly deeply concerned about how the fallout from Ratcliffe's comments could affect United's relationships with sponsors and commercial partners going forward.
There are also fears about how this week's events could potentially hinder United's ambitions to construct a new stadium.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham lambasted Ratcliffe's comments as "inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory". Burnham has collaborated closely with Ratcliffe and United on plans to either refurbish Old Trafford or erect a new £1 billion stadium.
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The Glazers are eager to see the project materialise, as it would boost United's valuation. However, the success of the project hinges on a harmonious partnership between the club, local councils and the Greater Manchester leaders.
Ratcliffe, who splashed out £1.25 billion for a stake of United back in 2024, was forced to issue a statement on Thursday following a barrage of backlash triggered by his remarks.
He expressed: "I am sorry that my choice of language 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.
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"My comments were made whilst answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.
"My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone.
"It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK."