Nigel Farage set to meet with Man Utd owner after Gary Neville's 'white men' comments

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Nigel Farage is set for a surprise meeting with Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe . Ratcliffe, who founded and holds the majority stake in petrochemical giant Ineos, is known in sporting circles for owning French club Nice and, since February 2024, his minority stake in the Red Devils .

The 72-year-old ranked seventh on this year's annual list of the UK’s richest people . And, as one of the country's wealthiest figures, he has announced his plans to meet Reform UK leader Farage some time before December.

Speaking on The Business podcast, the billionaire revealed: “I’m meeting with Nigel Farage before Christmas . He asked for the meeting. I have met with Kemi Badenoch , so we have had a hearing.”

But when questioned about possibly donating money to Reform or any other political party, Ratcliffe emphasised his neutrality, stating: “I’ve always been neutral on political parties. I’ve never really had a preference one way or another.

“I just want one that runs the country well. I can’t see myself paying for policies. It’s not my style.”

Reinforcing his impartial stance, Ratcliffe said of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer : “I think he is a reasonable bloke. He’s a nice man and he’s well-meaning, but I’m just not sure it’s easy to manage his party.

“This is not a criticism, because I do like him, but you have to make some tough decisions, and maybe he’s a bit too nice.”

It comes after Manchester United legend Gary Neville ’s recent comments about “angry middle-aged white men” stirring anger and dividing the nation by hanging up St George’s crosses and Union Jack flags.

Sky Sports pundit Neville, who has previously discussed matters concerning United and the city of Manchester with Sir Jim, has come under fire for his comments in some quarters, which some have labelled as unpatriotic - despite the 85-cap former England defender insisting: "I’m a proud supporter of England, of Great Britain, of our country".

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Almost emphasising Neville's point, Farage is widely known for his vocal support of flags being flown "across the country", almost as much as he's known for his immigration plans - which have been labelled "a manifesto of hate". His meeting with Ratcliffe is unlikely to impress Neville.

Former England defender Neville had said: “Seeing the news last night and the news this morning dominated by the horrific attacks within the Jewish community just a mile from here.

“When I was driving to Salford City last night, going down Littleton Road, seeing probably 50 or 60 Union Jack flags. And on the way back I went down the parallel road, Bury New Road, which has got the Jewish community right at its heart, and they're out on the streets, defiant, not hiding or in fear.

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“And I just kept thinking as I was driving home last night that we’re all being turned on each other and the division that’s being created is absolutely disgusting. Mainly created by angry middle-aged white men who know exactly what they’re doing."

Neville went on to say: “The Union Jack flag used in a negative fashion is not right and I’m a proud supporter of England, of Great Britain, of our country and will champion it anywhere in the world as one of the greatest places to live.”

Farage labelled Neville "detached from reality" over his comments.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.