Michael Carrick says he is proud of ‘what Manchester United stand for’, and the culture of diversity and equality at Old Trafford, in the wake of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments that the UK is being ‘colonised by immigrants’.
Ratcliffe’s remarks at a business convention in Antwerp last week have been widely criticised, while United also issued a statement that appeared to distance the club from the minority owner’s views.
Carrick was asked about the issue when he spoke to the media ahead of Monday’s trip to Everton, and insisted that United are aware of their responsibilities to their fanbase worldwide.
‘Sir Jim made his statement and the club made a statement on the back of it,’ said Carrick. ‘It is not my place to add to that. Enough has been said in that regard.
‘What I can say is that I have been around this club many years and we always make a huge impact globally and we are really responsible for that.
Throughout the years, as a player and member of staff and as a supporter, we are really proud of the environment and culture we’ve got at the club.
‘Equality and diversity and respect for each other is something we look to carry through every day. I have travelled the world and know what this club means to an awful lot of people.
‘I am fully aware of the responsibility and we try to carry that out every day. I am proud of what the club stands for and has done for so long.’
Asked if he has spoken to the players about Ratcliffe’s comments, given that many of them come from overseas and diverse backgrounds, Carrick added: ‘We have got a really strong group, whether that is the players in and around the dressing-room, the staff and around the club, and outside of the club.
‘But certainly inside the club we’re in constant communication anyway, we’re here to support each other and help each other in whatever way we can.
‘The boys have been in really good spirits this week. In terms of training they had time away, it was important for a refresh and a bit of a deep breath of everything for the short time we’ve been together, to digest everything and come back and focus on what is next.
‘We are looking forward to the next game at this stage. Obviously we are here to help each other and support each other in any way we possibly can.’
The United squad have had some time off in the two weeks between drawing 1-1 at West Ham and Monday’s trip to Goodison Park.
United have another 11-day break when the FA Cup fifth round takes place next month, and an even longer gap during the international break after that, but Carrick still isn’t sure if the club will organise a mid-season friendly or warm-weather training camp.
‘It just depends on a lot of things really,’ he said. ‘I don’t think there is a black and white answer with that one. We will make a call, and there is an area in between where it would depend on where the game is, what it is like, what time it is, when the fixtures fall.
‘It isn’t straightforward, but it is something if we need to look at we can do if it is best for the players.’
Despite the extended break, Carrick indicated that neither Mason Mount or Matthijs De Ligt will be fit to return after injury at Everton.
‘Mason is getting closer, we have been patient with him,’ said the Unoted boss. ‘We don’t want to push anything. We want him back and fit. He is getting closer which is good for us. Matthijs is working towards it, but he is a bit behind Mason.’
