Ratcliffe explained: “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.”

On the same day that the FA reminded Ratcliffe of his responsibilities as a participant in English football, United’s interim head coach, Michael Carrick, made his first public comments. He said: “Sir Jim’s made a statement, the club’s made a statement on the back of it. For me to add to that, it’s not my place to add to that. Enough has been said in that regard.

“What I can say is I’ve been around this club for many years. We always make a huge impact globally in whatever way, and we’re really responsible for that.

“Throughout the years, as a player, as a member of staff, as a supporter, we’re proud of the environment and the culture we have at the club. Equality, diversity and respect for each other is something we look to carry through every day.

“I’ve travelled the world, I know what this club means to an awful lot of people, and so fully aware of the responsibility, and we try to carry that out every single day.”

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Carrick also addressed the effect the comments had on his diverse first-team players and staff. He said: “We’ve got a really strong group, whether that’s the players around the dressing room or the staff around the club or outside the club, but certainly within the club.

“We’re in constant communication anyway; we’re here to support each other and help each other in whatever way we can.”

Carrick continued: “I can only speak from personal experience of being here for a long time with various managers, various staff, supporters have largely stayed the same, we’ve gathered some more supporters over the years, but all backgrounds, different backgrounds.

“It’s something we’re fully aware of, and I am. I’m proud of what the club stands for and has done for so long, and I’m really aware of that.”