Manchester United's Muslim Supporters' Club calls on Ratcliffe to resign over immigration remarks

Manchester United’s Muslim Supporters’ Club (MUMSC) has called on owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to resign following renewed controversy over his views on immigration, with the group issuing a 750-word statement declaring they have “lost confidence in the current ownership structure” of the club.

Ratcliffe, 73, reignited the row during a BBC ‘Big Boss’ interview this week, reiterating remarks he first made in February when he described the UK as “colonised by immigrants” — comments for which he later offered a partial apology. In the new interview, the Monaco-based billionaire said the country “is on the slide” as a result of immigration, adding: “Nobody’s tough enough to deal with the immigration problem. Nobody’s tough enough to deal with the benefits problem. But somebody needs to do it.”

The MUMSC, which had already condemned Ratcliffe’s earlier comments, described his latest remarks as “deeply disappointing” and used the statement to make the case that diversity is fundamental to the club’s identity.

“Our players, staff, stewards, security teams and supporters come from different countries, cultures, ethnicities, religions and backgrounds,” the statement read. “Manchester United would not be Manchester United without them. That diversity isn’t a weakness of Manchester United. It is part of Manchester United.”

The group also broadened its criticism beyond the immigration controversy, framing the call for Ratcliffe’s departure as part of a wider reckoning with the club’s direction. “This is bigger than one defeat. Bigger than one manager. Bigger than one season. It is about the direction, leadership and identity of Manchester United Football Club,” the statement continued. “After years of decline, broken promises and repeated failure… enough is enough. It is time for change.”

The statement explicitly named both the Glazer family and Ratcliffe as figures who should step aside.

The off-field controversy arrives at a particularly turbulent moment for the club. United have lost two of their opening Premier League fixtures and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup at the first round by Brighton. Fans also staged a protest before last week’s 1-0 derby defeat to Manchester City, displaying a banner that read: “The way you treat us is a disgrace.”

Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7 per cent stake in Manchester United in February 2024 and took control of football operations, but the club’s performances and the owner’s public statements have combined to deepen unrest among supporters.