Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has hit back at Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe over comments he made about immigrants, describing the remarks as “inaccurate, insulting and inflammatory”.
Burnham criticised Ratcliffe’s stance and said the billionaire’s words did not reflect the reality of modern Britain, insisting that immigration has helped build communities and support key services across the region.
The intervention comes with Ratcliffe now a leading figure at Old Trafford following his investment in the club, which has put the INEOS chairman under heavier public scrutiny beyond football matters.
Burnham’s comments were aimed directly at Ratcliffe’s claims, and the mayor made it clear he felt the language being used was unfair and damaging.
Ratcliffe’s profile has grown sharply since becoming a part-owner at United, with the club undergoing changes off the pitch while they try to improve results on it.
The disagreement has added another political flashpoint around one of the Premier League’s most high-profile ownership groups, with Burnham calling on Ratcliffe to rethink his position and the way the subject is spoken about.
