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Michael Carrick insisted Manchester United's squad is "pulling together" and emphasised the solidarity within the dressing room following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's controversial remarks about immigration in the United Kingdom. During a Sky News interview, Ratcliffe claimed the UK has been "colonised by immigrants."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded by demanding an apology from Ratcliffe, prompting the British billionaire to release a statement the following day expressing regret if his wording had caused offence to anyone, whilst maintaining it remained "important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration".

United issued a statement declaring the club "prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club". Various United supporter groups condemned Ratcliffe heavily, whilst club employees voiced concerns internally.

Carrick addressed Ratcliffe's remarks publicly for the first time during Friday's press conference. The 44-year-old expressed his pride in everything United represents and highlighted the club's commitment to "diversity and inclusion."

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When questioned about whether Ratcliffe had offered an apology to the players or held discussions with him personally, the interim manager responded: "Last time I've seen Jim was (at) Arsenal to be honest, and I'm fine with that.

"I don't think there's anything really, in terms of constant communication from above, that I need in my role. I think my role is to create the environment within the group, and obviously lead in terms of the first team and beyond that.

"I'm obviously sitting here now and the supporters listening in, that's part of my role, and I'm fully aware of that, but I don't necessarily need it from above to be constant."

When Carrick was asked about Sir Alex Ferguson's emphasis on unity within a football club, he replied: "We're definitely all pulling together, I think, being around here and being in around stadiums in the last few weeks and certainly in this environment, quite closely, it's clear, as you could ever be, it's pulling together, so we're pretty strong as a group."

Meanwhile, the Football Association (FA) will not take any action against Ratcliffe. The FA looked into whether Ratcliffe had violated regulations, but he will not face any penalties following his remarks.

However, the FA have reminded Ratcliffe of his responsibilities when participating in media interviews.

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