Manchester United fans condemn co-owner’s immigration comments

In February 2026, Manchester United fans and supporter groups publicly criticized Jim Ratcliffe, the club's co-owner, for recent comments he made regarding immigration to the UK. Ratcliffe stated that the UK had been "colonised" by immigrants, sparking widespread condemnation. The controversy stems from the fact that Ratcliffe, a billionaire, resides in Monaco, a move often associated with tax avoidance. The backlash highlights the disconnect between Ratcliffe's views on immigration and his own status as an expatriate. The incident has further strained relations between the co-owner and the Manchester United fanbase.

Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has sparked outrage after making comments that described the UK as being "colonised by immigrants" in an interview with Sky News. The billionaire claimed that "huge levels of immigration" had damaged the economy, prompting Prime Minister Keir Starmer to demand an apology for his "offensive and wrong" remarks. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called on Ratcliffe to withdraw his comments, describing them as "inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory". Justice minister Jake Richards has questioned Ratcliffe's patriotism, citing his decision to move to Monaco to avoid paying £4 billion in tax. The comments have been condemned by politicians, campaigners, and fan groups, who accuse Ratcliffe of echoing far-right narratives with real-world impact. Ratcliffe's remarks were made on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, is facing widespread criticism for claiming the UK is being "colonised" by immigrants. The Monaco-based billionaire made the comments in a Sky News interview, citing outdated statistics and expressing concern about the number of people on benefits. Politicians, union leaders, and fans have condemned Ratcliffe's remarks as offensive, inaccurate, and divisive, with many calling for an apology. Critics also pointed to Ratcliffe's move to Monaco for tax purposes and his company's actions at Manchester United as hypocritical. The backlash highlights the sensitivity surrounding immigration debates in the UK.