00:00It's just over a week ago that Sir Jim Ratcliffe made his comments on immigration.
00:06Obviously they've had a global impact, but they've also been condemned by many, many people,
00:12including all Manchester United's major fans, organisations.
00:17As the most visual face of the club, as the manager, the person that we hear from more than anyone
00:24else,
00:25could you give us your assessment of those comments and the impact they've made?
00:33Yeah, I think that Sir Jim's made a statement and the club's made a statement on the back of it,
00:38really.
00:38So for me to add to that is not my place to add to that.
00:44I think enough being said in that regard.
00:46I think what I can say is, as I've been around this club many, many years,
00:50and I think we always make a huge impact globally in whatever way,
00:57and we're really responsible for that.
01:00And throughout the years, as a player, as a member of staff, as a supporter,
01:07I think we're really proud of the environment and the culture that we've got at the club,
01:11and equality and diversity and respect for each other is something that we look to carry through every day.
01:19And I've travelled the world and I know what this club means to an awful lot of people,
01:24so fully aware of the responsibility, and we're trying to carry that out every single day.
01:28Is there a possibility that Sir Jim's comments undermine that?
01:33You were part of a multicultural squad.
01:36Sir Alex Ferguson made a point of emphasising the different backgrounds in that squad
01:41and said it was one of the reasons why you were so successful.
01:45You're now in charge of a squad with players from all kinds of different backgrounds,
01:50both from England and overseas.
01:53Have you had to speak to them?
01:55And is Sir Jim's comments possibly undermining unity and what you are trying to achieve?
02:02We've got a really strong group, whether that's the players in and around the dressing room and the staff,
02:09and certainly around the club and outside of the club, but certainly within the club.
02:14I think we're in constant communication anyway.
02:17We're here to support each other and help each other in whatever way we can.
02:21The boys have been in really good spirits this week in terms of training.
02:25We've had some time away, so I think that was important for a refresh and a bit of a deep
02:31breath of everything.
02:33For the short time we've been together to digest everything and then come back and focus on what's next.
02:40So we're looking forward to the next game at this stage.
02:45But yeah, obviously we're here to help each other, support each other in any way we possibly can.
02:52Michael, just picking up off that, do you think comments like that can impact a group that, as Simon mentioned,
02:58are from all around the world, from different backgrounds, from different social classes as well?
03:04When they see someone of such leadership at the club, can that have an impact?
03:08I guess not even on the football, but just in any working environment.
03:12Yeah, I think part of being at this club, we understand what it's like globally.
03:18And as I said, the responsibilities we have within this.
03:24And I can only speak from my personal experiences of being here for a long time.
03:29With various managers, with various staff, supporters, largely probably stayed the same.
03:34I've gathered some new supporters over the years, but all backgrounds, different backgrounds.
03:39And it's something we're fully aware of, and I am.
03:42And I'm proud of what the club stands for and has done for so long, really.
03:47And I'm really aware of that.
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