Michael Carrick spoke about Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments on immigration for the first time at a press conference on Friday.
Carrick was asked about Ratcliffe.(Image: 2025 James Gill - Danehouse)
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Michael Carrick said Manchester United's players are "pulling together" and reiterated the strength of the dressing room following comments from Sir Jim Ratcliffe on immigration in the United Kingdom.
In an interview with Sky News, Ratcliffe said the UK has been "colonised by immigrants." The Prime Minister reacted by calling on Ratcliffe to apologise, and the British billionaire issued a statement a day later, saying he was sorry if his choice of language had offended some people, but added that it was "important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration".
United released a statement to say the club "prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club". Ratcliffe was heavily criticised by different United fan groups, and club staff raised internal concerns.
Carrick spoke about Ratcliffe's comments for the first time at his press conference on Friday. The 44-year-old said he was "proud" of everything United stands for and praised its "diversity and inclusion."
When Carrick was asked whether Ratcliffe had apologised to the squad, or had spoken to him, the interim head coach said: "Last time I've seen Jim was (at) Arsenal to be honest, and I'm fine with that.
"I don't think there's anything really, in terms of constant communication from above, that I need in my role. I think my role is to create the environment within the group, and obviously lead in terms of the first-team and beyond that.
"I'm obviously sitting here now and the supporters listening in, that's part of my role, and I'm fully aware of that, but I don't necessarily need it from above to be constant."
When it was put to Carrick that Sir Alex Ferguson was big on everyone in a football club pulling together, he responded: "We're definitely all pulling together, I think, being around here and being in around stadiums in the last few weeks and certainly in this environment, quite closely, it's clear, as you could ever be, it’s pulling together, so we're pretty strong as a group."
Meanwhile, the Football Association (FA) will take no action against Ratcliffe. The FA investigated whether Ratcliffe had breached regulations, but he will not be penalised following his comments. However, the FA have reminded Ratcliffe of his responsibilities when taking part in media interviews.
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