In the wake of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's recent comments on immigration, Manchester United have released a lengthy statement saying it "prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club".
On Thursday, Ratcliffe apologised for "offending some people" with his language after saying the UK had been "colonised by immigrants".
He also maintained that an "open debate" on the matter was needed.
Speaking in an interview at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp on Wednesday, the United co-owner warned that Britain faces political, social and economic challenges, with one of those being a rise in immigration.
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"You can't have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in," Ratcliffe told Sky News. "I mean, the UK has been colonised. It's costing too much money."
He added: "The UK has been colonised by immigrants, really, hasn't it? I mean, the population of the UK was 58 million in 2020, now it's 70 million. That's 12 million people."
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) estimates the population of the UK was 67 million in mid-2020 and 70 million in mid-2024. Back in 2000, the population in Britain was estimated at 58.9 million.
On Thursday afternoon, Manchester United released a statement without linking directly to co-owner Ratcliffe, who has resided in Monaco since 2020.
The statement 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.
"Over the course of this season, we have participated in events and initiatives at our men's and women's games marking mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, No Room for Racism, violence against women and girls and homophobic chanting.
"We have also celebrated our supporters' clubs' events, including our Disabled Supporters' Assocation's Christmas Party and our Jewish Supporters' Club's Chanukah event.
"In the weeks and months ahead, we will be supporting further initiatives in these areas. This all sits alongside the incredible work which the Manchester United Foundation undertakes in and around Manchester on a daily basis.
"Manchester United reflects the unity and resilience of all the communities we are so privileged to represent."
The statement added: "We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride."
Topics: Man Utd, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Premier League
Jack Kenmare