Carrick responds to Ratcliffe’s immigration rant as Man Utd’s worst fears emerge
Michael Carrick, the interim manager of Manchester United, faced the media today in a press conference, before the Red Devils’ away trip to Everton
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has steered clear of criticising Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent comment that the UK “has been colonised by immigrants.” Carrick, 44, was speaking to the press for the first time since Ratcliffe stunned the country with his view.
While the United minority owner has apologised for his “choice of language” and admitted it “offended some people” – including many United stars according to reports – there is still residual outrage about the multi-billionaire’s viewpoint. Many branded him a hypocrite stating the fact the majority of United’s squad are players from outside of the UK.
There have even been reports suggesting Ratcliffe’s ill-advised words could cost United millions in new sponsorship deals, with the club without a training kit partner and a sleeve sponsor which will expire at the end of the season. In the wake of those comments, before United’s away clash against Everton, Carrick was asked to provide his thoughts against Ratcliffe’s words.
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The United interim manager said: “Sir Jim has made a statement and then the club has made a statement. It is not my place to add to that. I have been at this club many years and we make a huge impact globally, in whatever way, and we are responsible for that.
“As a player, member of staff, supporter I think we are really proud of that environment and the culture we have at the club. Equality and diversity and respect for each other is what we try and carry through every day.
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“I have travelled the world and I know what this club means to an awful lot of people. We are fully aware of the responsibility and we try to carry that out every single day.
“We have a really strong group. The players, the staff inside and out of the club. We always talking to each other. The boys have been in really good spirits.
“We have taken a deep breathe, come back and focusing on what is next. We are here to help each other. Part of being at this club we understand what it is like globally. I can only speak from my personal experiences, all backgrounds and different backgrounds I am really proud of.”
In response to the backlash against his comments, Ratcliffe released a statement of his own. The Ineos boss said: “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.
“My comments were made while 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.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
