Man Utd fans display banner protesting Sir Jim Ratcliffe's immigration remarks

Manchester United supporters held up a banner condemning Sir Jim Ratcliffe's immigration comments at Old Trafford, featuring iconic foreign players including Eric Cantona and Bruno Fernandes

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments were not well received(Image: Getty Images)

A contingent of Manchester United fans displayed a banner criticizing Sir Jim Ratcliffe's divisive remarks on immigration.

The United co-owner faced widespread condemnation last month after suggesting the United Kingdom had been "colonized" by immigrants. The billionaire subsequently cited inaccurate figures to support his argument. Following backlash from prominent figures, including Sir Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham, Gary Lineker and Liverpool icon John Barnes, Ratcliffe issued an apology.

Yet the 73-year-old remains under fire at Old Trafford. During United's first home fixture since Ratcliffe's contentious Sky News interview, certain fans expressed their disapproval unequivocally. The banner proclaimed: "MUFC proudly colonized by immigrants."

It featured seven international players who've represented the club, including France's Eric Cantona and Patrice Evra, South Korea's Park Ji-sung, Portugal's Bruno Fernandes, Norway's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ivory Coast's Amad and Brazil's Casemiro.

Following Ratcliffe's statements, United published a response on the club's official website. "Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club," they said.

"Our diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters, reflect the history and heritage of Manchester; a city that anyone can call home.

Manchester United won on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)

"Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.

"We remain deeply committed to the principles and spirit of that campaign.

"They are reflected in our policies but also in our culture and are reinforced by our holding of the Premier League's Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard. We will continue to represent our people, our city and our fans with purpose and pride."

Ratcliffe's follow-up apology was poorly received. The INEOS founder and chief executive, who acquired a 27.94 percent shareholding in United two years ago, fell short of offering a full apology while standing by the sentiment behind his remarks.

"I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth," Ratcliffe argued.

"My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.

"My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone.

"It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK."