Man Utd issue statement following co-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s comments

Manchester United said the club takes pride in being “inclusive and welcoming” following co-owner  Jim Ratcliffe’s claim that the UK has been “colonised by immigrants”.

Ratcliffe said he was sorry if he had “offended some people” for his remarks in a Sky News interview on Wednesday, which were heavily criticised by British Prime Minister  Keir Starmer and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

The Press Association understands Ratcliffe’s claims will also be examined by the Football Association to see whether they brought the game into disrepute, while on Thursday afternoon the Premier League club issued a statement defending their inclusion policy

It read: “Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club.

“Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters, reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home.

“Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.

“We remain deeply committed to the principles and spirit of that campaign. They are reflected in our policies but also in our culture and are reinforced by our holding of the Premier League’s Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard.”

United said they have held events this season to support “mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, No Room for Racism, violence against women and girls and homophobic chanting”.

The club added: “In the weeks and months ahead, we will be supporting further initiatives in these areas.”

Earlier on Thursday, Ratcliffe said in a statement: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of