Carrick Sets the Record Straight: Ratcliffe’s Migrant Remarks Miss the Mark

Carrick Breaks Silence over Ratcliffe Remarks

Michael Carrick, Manchester United's interim coach, breaks his silence on the controversial remarks made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club's co-owner, about migrants.

Ratcliffe told Sky News last week that the United Kingdom had suffered 'colonialism by migrants,' remarks that drew broad condemnation, before he issued a later statement apologizing if his words had 'caused offense'.

Manchester United issued its own statement the day after Ratcliffe's Sky News interview, highlighting the club's pride in being an 'inclusive and welcoming' institution.

During his press conference Friday, his first since the controversy, Carrick said: 'Sir Jim made a remark, then the club issued a statement based on it, so it's not for me to add more to what was said'.

Carrick added: 'What I can say is that I have spent many years at this club, and we always make a huge impact globally. We are really proud of the environment and culture we have at the club, and equality, diversity and mutual respect are things we strive to implement every day'.

He continued: 'I have travelled around the world and know what this club means to a huge number of people, so I am fully aware of the responsibility we carry, and we try to do that daily, emphasising how proud I am of what the club stands for and what it has achieved over these long years'.

Separately, Ratcliffe faces potential disciplinary action, as Mark Bullingham, the FA chief executive, said last week the body is investigating those remarks.

Carrick stressed that the remarks did not affect or undermine the prevailing spirit at Manchester United, especially since the team have not lost in the five games since his appointment as interim manager in January, with four wins and one draw.

Carrick concluded: 'We have a very strong group, both players in the dressing room and staff, and we remain in constant contact to support and help one another in every possible way. The players were in a really good mood this week in training, we had some time away from the pitches, and that was important to recharge and regain energy'.

Punchline 1: If talking were football, Ratcliffe would still be in the dressing room, collecting yellow cards for language.

Punchline 2: Carrick's calm is so surgical that even a stadium full of pundits can't puncture it — sniper-grade diplomacy, 10/10.