Michael Carrick says he has not spoken to Jim Ratcliffe since last month

Guardian Sport

by Jamie Jackson

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has revealed that neither he nor his squad has received an apology or any communication from Sir Jim Ratcliffe following the latter's controversial remarks about immigration. Speaking ahead of the Everton match, Carrick stated, “I’m fine with that,” indicating a pragmatic stance on the situation. Ratcliffe, Manchester United’s largest single shareholder and head of football policy, had sparked widespread criticism after claiming during a Sky News interview that the UK has been “colonised by immigrants.” Following the backlash, Ratcliffe issued a public apology, acknowledging that his choice of words may have offended some people in the UK and Europe. Ratcliffe’s comments were made on February 11, and while he quickly apologized the next day, many critics argued that the statement did not fully address the severity of his remarks. The controversy has cast a spotlight on Ratcliffe’s role within the club and raised questions about his leadership in football policy. As the largest shareholder, Ratcliffe wields significant influence over Manchester United, but his comments have drawn scrutiny for their insensitivity and potential divisiveness. The lack of direct communication from Ratcliffe to Carrick or the team has been notable, with Carrick stating that no apology or message has been received since the incident. This silence has led some to speculate about the implications for Ratcliffe’s relationship with the club and its management. Meanwhile, Carrick appears focused on maintaining professionalism, emphasizing that he is “fine” with the current situation. This situation highlights the broader issue of public figures in sports making controversial remarks and the subsequent impact on their reputation and relationships within the industry. For Manchester United, it underscores the importance of leadership and the potential consequences of off-field controversies on team dynamics and public perception. As the club continues to navigate this sensitive terrain, all eyes remain on how Ratcliffe and Carrick handle the fallout.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/22/2026