Michael Carrick reiterates Man United 'responsibility' after Sir Jim Ratcliffe anti-immigration remarks

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·20 Februari 2026

Michael Carrick reiterates Man United 'responsibility' after Sir Jim Ratcliffe anti-immigration remarks

INEOS founder brought club in for considerable scrutiny with comments made last month

Michael Carrick said Manchester United must be aware of its global impact after Sir Jim Ratcliffe made anti-immigration comments in a recent interview.

Video OneFootball

Ratcliffe, one of United’s co-owners and founder of petrochemical firm INEOS, said in an interview with Sky News this month that “the UK has been colonised by immigrants.”

He faced widespread backlash for the comments, for which he has since apologised, with Sir Keir Starmer and Pep Guardiola among those coming out to condemn his stance.

Manchester United have also responded with a club statement, which read in part: “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.”

Carrick has now added his voice to the chorus, saying United - and those who represent the club - must be aware of its global reach and visibility.

"I think Sir Jim has made a statement and the club has made a statement on the back of it. For me to add to that is not my place,” he began. “Enough has been said in that regard.

“I have been around this club for many years, we make a huge impact globally and we are responsible for that.

"Throughout the years as a player, a member of staff, a supporter, we are really proud of the culture we have at the club, and equality and diversity and respect for each other is something we look to carry forward every day."

Carrick continued, adding that he was proud to represent such a diverse club.

"Part of being at this club is we understand what it is like globally and the responsibilities we have.

"I can only speak from my experiences, I have been here for a long time with various managers, various staff, all backgrounds, different backgrounds and it is something I am fully aware of.

"I am proud of what the clubs stands for."

He also added that he had maintained an open-door policy with his players, 19 of whom are not from the UK, following Ratcliffe’s comments.

"We have got a really strong group, whether that is the players and the staff around the club, I think we are in constant communication anyway and speak to each other and help each other.

"The boys have been in really good spirits this week. They had time away, it was time for a refresh and to digest everything and focus on what is next.

"We are looking forward to the next game. We are here to help each other and support each other."