Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised privately to the Glazer family after Manchester United’s head of football operations, Sir Dave Brailsford, was criticised for comments made during a discussion on immigration.
The remarks, delivered in a wide-ranging rant, sparked controversy and quickly drew attention away from on-field matters at Old Trafford, placing United’s new football structure under unwanted scrutiny.
Ratcliffe, who has taken control of football operations since his investment in the club, moved to calm the situation by reaching out to United’s majority owners. The apology was understood to be aimed at easing tensions and making clear that the views expressed were not intended to reflect the club’s official stance.
It has also been revealed that Ratcliffe contacted the Glazers directly to say sorry for the backlash caused by the comments, as United look to avoid further damage in a sensitive period of change behind the scenes.
The incident has added another headache for United’s leadership at a time when the club is trying to reset its football department, with Ratcliffe and INEOS working alongside the existing ownership in a new arrangement.
While there has been no suggestion of disciplinary action, the episode has underlined the pressure on United’s hierarchy to keep focus on football decisions and avoid off-field distractions.
