The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club (MUMSC) has renewed its criticism of the club’s ownership, calling for co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family to leave Manchester United.

The latest reaction followed comments attributed to Ratcliffe about Britain’s economic and social problems, including high taxes and high immigration.

MUMSC said it was particularly disappointed because Ratcliffe had previously apologised after facing criticism over earlier remarks about immigration.

Key Details

• MUMSC has issued a renewed criticism of Manchester United’s ownership.
• The supporters’ group said it had hoped Ratcliffe’s previous apology would signal a change in his approach.
• The latest comments attributed to Ratcliffe focused on immigration and people receiving benefits.
• MUMSC also raised concerns about ticket prices, the condition of Old Trafford and Manchester United’s performances.
• Manchester United previously said the club prides itself on being inclusive.
• Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in 2024, according to the supplied report.
• Manchester United entered the weekend 13th in the Premier League with four points from four matches.

What Ratcliffe Said

The latest controversy followed comments made by Ratcliffe in an interview with the BBC on September 19.

According to the supplied report, the Manchester United co-owner argued that Britain was in decline and pointed to a combination of high taxes and high immigration.

The remarks prompted renewed criticism from MUMSC, which had previously condemned comments made by Ratcliffe in February.

At the time, Ratcliffe later apologised for what he described as language that had offended some people.

MUMSC Renews Its Criticism

MUMSC said it had expected Ratcliffe’s previous apology to represent a change in his approach.

The supporters’ group said the latest comments had instead raised similar concerns again.

“We condemned those comments then,” MUMSC said.

The group added that Ratcliffe had previously apologised for his choice of language and that it had hoped a lesson had been learned.

MUMSC said the latest remarks again placed immigration and people receiving benefits at the centre of Ratcliffe’s explanation for Britain’s problems.

“We find these latest comments deeply disappointing and completely unacceptable.”

The group subsequently issued what the supplied article describes as a statement of no confidence in Manchester United’s ownership.

Supporters’ Group Highlights Club’s Diversity

MUMSC also emphasised the diversity represented across Manchester United.

The group pointed to the different nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, religions and backgrounds represented among the club’s players, staff, stewards, security teams and supporters.

According to MUMSC, that diversity is an important part of Manchester United’s identity.

“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 statement formed part of the group’s broader criticism of Ratcliffe’s latest comments.

Manchester United’s Previous Response

Manchester United had previously responded to Ratcliffe’s February remarks by saying that the club prides itself on being inclusive.

That earlier response is relevant to the latest dispute because MUMSC has now referred back to the club’s diverse community while criticising the ownership.

The supplied article does not state that Manchester United issued a fresh response to MUMSC’s latest statement.

MUMSC Raises Other Concerns

MUMSC’s criticism was not limited to Ratcliffe’s comments.

The supporters’ group also raised concerns about higher ticket prices, the condition of Old Trafford and the team’s performances.

The group said its members had initially hoped Ratcliffe’s arrival would bring meaningful change following the years of Glazer family ownership.

According to MUMSC, its concerns have now extended beyond what happens on the pitch.

Ratcliffe’s Manchester United Role

Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in 2024, according to the supplied report.

Since becoming involved with the club, he has overseen several significant changes.

These include around 450 redundancies, changes to senior management and the dismissal of two managers.

MUMSC said supporters had initially viewed Ratcliffe’s arrival as a possible signal of meaningful change after the Glazer family’s period of ownership.

The latest dispute has added another issue to the concerns being raised by the supporters’ group.

Earlier Comments And Apology

The latest criticism follows an earlier dispute in February.

MUMSC had condemned Ratcliffe after he said Britain had been “colonised by immigrants.”

Ratcliffe subsequently apologised for language that had offended some people.

MUMSC said it had hoped that apology would mark a change in his approach.

The supporters’ group now argues that the latest comments have renewed the concerns that followed the earlier episode.

United’s Current Football Context

The ownership controversy comes as Manchester United have also endured a difficult start to the campaign, according to the supplied article.

The club entered the weekend 13th in the Premier League, having collected four points from its opening four matches.

Manchester United were also eliminated from the Carabao Cup after a 3-2 home defeat by Brighton on Wednesday.

The team’s performances were among the additional issues cited by MUMSC in its criticism of the club’s ownership.

Key Takeaways

• The Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club has renewed its criticism of the club’s ownership.
• MUMSC’s latest statement followed comments attributed to Sir Jim Ratcliffe about immigration, benefits and Britain’s problems.
• The supporters’ group said it had hoped Ratcliffe’s earlier apology would lead to a change in his approach.
• MUMSC also criticised ticket prices, the condition of Old Trafford and Manchester United’s performances.
• Manchester United previously described itself as an inclusive club following Ratcliffe’s earlier remarks.
• Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in 2024, according to the supplied article.
• Manchester United entered the weekend 13th in the Premier League with four points from four matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is calling for Manchester United’s owners to leave?

The call comes from the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club (MUMSC), according to the supplied article.

Why is MUMSC criticising Sir Jim Ratcliffe?

The latest criticism followed comments attributed to Ratcliffe concerning immigration, people receiving benefits and Britain’s problems.

What did Ratcliffe previously apologise for?

The supplied article says Ratcliffe apologised after earlier comments about immigration drew criticism, including from MUMSC.

What other issues did MUMSC raise?

The group also criticised higher ticket prices, the condition of Old Trafford and Manchester United’s performances.

When did Ratcliffe acquire his Manchester United stake?

According to the supplied article, Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in 2024.

What was Manchester United’s previous response?

The club previously said it prides itself on being inclusive following Ratcliffe’s earlier remarks.

A Renewed Dispute Around Manchester United’s Ownership

MUMSC’s latest statement brings together concerns it has previously raised about Ratcliffe’s comments with wider complaints about Manchester United’s ownership and the club’s current situation.

The supporters’ group has linked its renewed criticism to Ratcliffe’s latest remarks while also pointing to issues involving ticket prices, Old Trafford and team performances.

The supplied article does not include a new response from Ratcliffe, the Glazer family or Manchester United to the latest MUMSC statement.