'Disgraceful' - Man United senior man savaged for 'shameful' comments

Jim Ratcliffe has been slammed for his continued weighing in on political matters as he is bringing Manchester United into direpute.

The part-owner of Man United, whose net worth is a staggering £15billion, has recently made headlines by claiming the UK is "on the slide" as he once again spoke out on immigration.

Ratcliffe, a resident of Monaco, has faced backlash from Man United fan groups who have spoken out as he continues to bring the club into divisive and controversial situations.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Ratcliffe's comments are "shameful" and a "disgrace" while the club continues to struggle under his rule.

The Red Devils, alongside their Premier League counterparts and clubs beyond, have been historically built on immigration and inclusivity which the owner is now speaking out against.

Alongside continued political controversies, Ratcliffe and INEOS have also faced backlash for other issues including job cuts, ticket pricing and on-pitch struggles.

Why has Jim Ratcliffe come in for criticism?

Brown told Football Insider back in February that Ratcliffe is destroying everything Man United stands for, with his latest comments not his first entry into political controversy.

Following his previous comments earlier this year, Man United were forced to clarify the club's position in a statement, while the billionaire eventually apologised for "offending some people".

However, following his latest political statement, questions are once again being asked while Man United continue to suffer disappointments on and off the pitch.

"I can't think of a single decision Ratcliffe or INEOS have made that has been a positive for Man United," Brown told Football Insider.

"The way he has handled situations on and off the pitch, whether it's job cuts, ticket prices, whatever it happens to be, they've come in without a care in the world for what the club represents.

"Now he comes out and makes these political comments about the UK and how he thinks things are going down hill, baring in mind he lives in Monaco, pointing the finger at immigrants.

"How does he think Man United got to be where they are today? The club, and others across England, were built on inclusivity with players and staff from all over the world.

"Look at the squad now, look at these players, and then you've got the bloke at the top of it all talking about immigration.

"It's a disgrace that he keeps feeling the need to speak publicly about these things to begin with, but whether he likes it or not, he is a representative of Man United and his words have an impact.

"But he's not a representative of the Man United that I know, and lots of others will say the same. That's without me going into the political side of things.

"Ratcliffe and INEOS continue to make decisions and to make comments which are having a negative impact on the club, both physically and in terms of their reputation.

"It's shameful and it's embarrassing to even be having to talk about this from a Man United owner who can't even get decisions right regarding the club, that's what's really 'on the slide'.

"Maybe his focus should be on the club and the coutnless issues INEOS have kicked off there, instead of weighing in on politics every five minutes. I think it's an absolute joke."

Why are Man United fans protesting again?

The latest criticism of Ratcliffe and his controversial views has come against a backdrop of fan protests at Old Trafford, with supporters unhappy with INEOS' ownership.

During the 1-0 defeat agains Man City earlier this month, supporters group The Red Army displayed a banner before the game which read: "The way you treat us is a disgrace", after the club announced 685 fan accounts had been banned.

Brown told Football Insider that Man United's treatment of their most loyal fans has been "shocking" as he threw his support behind the protests.

While there is recognition that clubs must clamp down on touts and those selling tickets on at extortionate prices, there must be more care for regular fans who get caught up.

This comes amid protests and people speaking out across a number of clubs in the Premier League, with clubs urged to have more respect for those match-going fans.