Sir Jim Ratcliffe: The Billionaire Behind Manchester United and Immigration Controversy
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United and one of the wealthiest individuals in the UK, has ignited a firestorm of controversy following remarks he made about immigration in a recent interview with Sky News. Speaking to economics and data editor Ed Conway, Sir Jim asserted that Britain has been "colonised by immigrants," claiming they are depleting state resources. These comments have provoked widespread condemnation, including from the Prime Minister, who labeled them "offensive and wrong," and from anti-racism organizations such as Kick It Out, football's anti-discrimination body, which described the statements as "disgraceful and deeply divisive."
Who Is Sir Jim Ratcliffe?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a former chemical engineer who founded the INEOS petrochemicals group in May 1998. Today, he serves as its chairman and majority owner, overseeing a global empire that operates 154 sites across 27 countries. The company generates annual revenues exceeding £40 billion and employs more than 24,500 people worldwide. Beyond his business ventures, Sir Jim has a significant presence in sports, with INEOS involved in Formula 1, cycling, and sailing, in addition to his stake in Manchester United.
Financial Standing and Manchester United Involvement
According to the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List, Sir Jim's net worth is estimated at £17.05 billion, marking a decline of £6.5 billion from the previous year. At 73 years old, he ranks as Britain's seventh-richest man, though his wealth has seen fluctuations over the years; he topped the UK-only list in 2018 with an estimated personal wealth of £21.05 billion.
A lifelong fan of Manchester United, Sir Jim became a minority owner of the club in February 2024, investing over £1 billion to acquire a 25% stake and take control of football operations. This move followed an unsuccessful bid to buy Chelsea for £4.25 billion in 2022, which was outdone by a consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly. Since joining Old Trafford, Sir Jim has implemented cost-saving measures, including job cuts and the discontinuation of free meals for club staff.
Impact on Manchester United
Manchester United announced record revenues of £666.5 million for the 2024/25 season, a slight increase of 0.7%, but still reported an overall loss of £33 million. The club achieved record commercial revenues of £333.3 million and match day revenues of £160.3 million. Additionally, plans were unveiled for a new 100,000-seater stadium, projected to cost £2 billion and potentially boost the UK economy by creating up to 92,000 jobs and over 17,000 new homes.
However, on-field performance has been less stellar. The team's 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season was its worst in over half a century. Ruben Amorim, the first permanent managerial appointment under Sir Jim's tenure, was dismissed after just 14 months in charge. Under interim head coach Michael Carrick, results have shown improvement, with the club competing for a top-five finish after recent victories over rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.
Previous Political and Immigration Views
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was a vocal supporter of the UK's withdrawal from the EU in 2016, though he has since relocated to tax-free Monaco. He backed Sir Keir Starmer ahead of the 2024 general election but later suggested Starmer might be "too nice" for the role, expressing admiration for Nigel Farage. His views on immigration are not new; in May 2024, he told Sky News that immigration was "the biggest component" of the Brexit vote, arguing that the UK, as a "small island," cannot manage large influxes of people, which he claims overburdens services like the NHS, traffic, and police.
In his latest interview, Sir Jim claimed immigration has increased the UK's population from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million in 2026. According to the Office for National Statistics, the population was estimated at 67 million in mid-2020 and 70 million in mid-2024, with 58.9 million recorded in 2000.
