Michael Carrick breaks silence on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial immigration comments

Carrick addressed the situation on Friday

As part of a Sky News interview last week, Ratcliffe made the comment, prompting a huge backlash from figures across the worlds of sport and politics, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Manchester Metro Mayor Andy Burnham.

While Ratcliffe has since issued an apology for his "choice of language" — and the club made a statement of their own, that reaffirmed how Manchester United attempts to ensure they have "embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do" — Friday was the first time that first team head coach Michael Carrick had addressed the situation.

Carrick began: "I think Sir Jim has made a statement and the club has made a statement. It’s not my place to add to that."

"What I can say is I’ve been around this club for many years and we all make a huge impact globally, and we’re really responsible for that," he added.

"As a player, a member of staff, and as a supporter, we’re really proud of the environment we have at the club. The diversity and equality is what we try to have throughout the club every day.

"The boys have been in really good spirits this week. We had some time away for a refresh and then we’ve come back in to focus on what’s next. We’re looking forward to the next game.

"We have a really strong group, whether it’s the players or staff around the club, we’re in constant communication anyway, and we’re here to help each other.

"We understand what it’s like globally and the responsibilities that we have. I can only speak of my personal experiences of being here for a long time, we have supporters from all different backgrounds. I’m proud of what the club stands for and has done for so long."

Manchester United's next fixture is a Premier League clash against Everton on Monday evening.