Manchester United owners the Glazers fear Ratcliffe’s comments on immigration will damage club’s reputation – and chances of getting a new £1b stadium off the ground
16:30, 13 Feb 2026Updated 16:38, 13 Feb 2026
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised to the Glazers for comments he made about immigration this week(Image: Getty Images)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised to the Glazers for his controversial comments about immigration which brought shame on Manchester United.
It’s understood Ratcliffe contacted his fellow co-owners to explain himself – and for the furore he had caused.
Ratcliffe sparked outrage when he claimed in an interview immigrants had “colonised” the UK. The backlash has been immense, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer demanding the billionaire apologise – which he did. The FA are now examining the comments, before deciding whether to launch a full-scale investigation. In the meantime, the damage done to United’s image and reputation has been massive.
The Glazers are said to have huge concerns about what effect the backlash from Ratcliffe’s comments will have on United’s relationship with sponsors and commercial partners moving forward.
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While there are also worries about what impact events of this week could have on United’s hopes of building a new stadium.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham slammed Ratcliffe’s comments as being “inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory”. Burnham has worked closely with Ratcliffe and United on plans to either regenerate Old Trafford or build a new £1billion stadium. The Glazers are desperate to see the project come to fruition, because it would increase United’s valuation.
But the project will depend on alignment between the club, local councils and Greater Manchester leaders.
Ratcliffe, who bought a £1.25billion stake in United in 2024, issued a statement on Thursday, after his comments sparked an avalanche of condemnation.
Ratcliffe pictured with CEO Omar Berrada and Avram Glazer(Image: Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
He 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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