Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been criticised for his comments on immigrants, which he later apologised for
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United.
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has since apologised for his comments(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)
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Manchester United are concerned about losing out on millions in fresh sponsorship agreements following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's contentious remarks about immigration in the UK.
United remain without a training kit partner, whilst the club's shirt sleeve sponsorship arrangement will run out this summer.
The Mirror reports United's owners the Glazers have expressed worries to senior figures about the club's prospects of attracting new partners, after its image and standing suffered a significant blow following Ratcliffe's recent interview.
The co-owner apologised to the Glazers after provoking fury when he claimed immigrants had 'colonised' the UK. The backlash has been enormous, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer demanding the billionaire apologise - which he did.
The FA are still examining the comments and could decide to launch a full-scale investigation. The Glazers view United's commercial worth as one of the primary reasons the Floridians have never agreed to sell their stake in the club.
And the Americans are now anxious about the impact Ratcliffe's comments will have on the club's prospects of securing profitable new deals moving forward.
The Glazers know blue-chip companies only want to be associated with forward-thinking and progressive clubs. Whilst the situation could be made even worse if United fail to secure Champions League qualification this season.
Manchester Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been criticised for him comments on immigration. (Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
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The circumstances will heap additional pressure on caretaker manager Michael Carrick to deliver a top-four finish.
Carrick, who remains undefeated in five matches since assuming control, will lead his team against Everton on Monday evening.
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He is bracing himself for intense questioning regarding Ratcliffe's remarks - and the club's reaction to them - when he meets the press on Friday lunchtime.
United's communications department have briefed Carrick on what to anticipate and how to handle questions about Ratcliffe, hoping to avoid exacerbating the situation.