Manchester United's locker room is upset with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's nonsense! Despite his apology, penalties may still follow, and the new stadium project might be canceled.

Manchester United could have quietly rested and prepared during their "Spring Festival break," yet the club was embroiled in turmoil after owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe made inappropriate remarks. The 73-year-old British businessman stated that the UK has turned into a colony dominated by excessive immigration. This statement caused an uproar, forcing Ratcliffe to publicly apologize under Prime Minister Keir Starmer's orders, but players in the Manchester United dressing room were outraged since they or their families were among those labeled as "colonizers."

A senior Manchester United player said Ratcliffe’s big mouth left him speechless; another source close to a player said Ratcliffe has many explanations to offer. The first team includes up to 17 foreign players, with rising academy star Cody Menoe of Ghanaian descent, and central defender Aiden Haven’s mother Lisa is also a Ghanaian immigrant.

Since acquiring the club, Ratcliffe has frequently commented on Manchester United’s affairs, but meddling in club matters is one thing—after all, he is the owner and at worst becomes a laughingstock. For example, he promised Ruben Amorim three years to prove he’s a world-class coach but fired him after only three months. Ratcliffe even proudly claimed this week that some of his unpopular decisions are beginning to show results.

Ratcliffe has been in charge for nearly two years, during which he carried out two major rounds of layoffs, raised ticket prices, and stripped season ticket holders of their seats to sell them to higher-paying groups. He also criticized inheriting many players he didn’t want, specifically naming Sancho, Antony, Casemiro, Andre Onana, and Hojlund. Casemiro was deeply offended by Ratcliffe’s remarks, feeling his dignity was insulted, which was one reason the "Big Tiger" decided not to renew his contract and leave early.

However, Ratcliffe insists he is right: "I am unpopular at Manchester United because we have implemented many changes. In my view, that’s positive. I believe people at the club are starting to see some encouraging signs that my approach is working! We did what we thought was necessary at Manchester United, what we believed was the right thing. However, that might mean being very unpopular for a while."

But in the same interview, his "immigrant colony" theory angered immigrants across the UK. "If 9 million people rely on welfare while large numbers of immigrants keep arriving, such an economic system is unsustainable. Britain has been colonized, and it costs too much. In fact, immigrants have put Britain into a colonial state."

Ironically, Britain is historically known as one of the largest colonial powers, making Ratcliffe’s accusation seem ridiculous. Manchester United had to issue a statement welcoming everyone, without mentioning Ratcliffe or his comments directly, but clearly responding to his views. British media reported that the club’s top management felt ashamed of the owner’s remarks and believed players might be negatively affected during the season’s Champions League push. Besides morale, external targeting and even unfavorable refereeing decisions might occur, possibly because some referees also have immigrant backgrounds.

Manchester United’s statement said: "Manchester United takes pride in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. Our players, staff, and global fans form a diverse community that reflects Manchester’s historic tradition—a city that everyone can call home."

The English Football Association has launched an investigation into Ratcliffe’s comments, as they may have a harmful impact on the sport. If found to have violated rules, the Manchester United owner could face fines, which may be minor to him but could cause deeper, long-term negative consequences.

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also condemned Ratcliffe’s remarks, while indirectly criticizing Manchester United’s largest shareholders, the Glazer family. Since their acquisition of Manchester United in 2005, the Glazers have never invested a penny into the club.

Burnham said: "If criticism is truly warranted, it should target those who have contributed almost nothing to our lives here, yet have extracted wealth from our most cherished institutions for years."

The British Daily Mail reported that not only Burnham but also key figures in the Labour Party are irritated by Ratcliffe’s big mouth, which could jeopardize the planned £2 billion, 100,000-capacity "New Trafford" stadium project.