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Manchester United academy star Rhys Bennett has been granted compassionate leave following the tragic death of his father.
The 21-year-old defender, who spent last season at Fleetwood Town, shared the sad news on social media.
In an Instagram post accompanied by four images with his father and family, Bennett wrote: ‘Dad, I never thought I’d have to write this so soon, over the weekend I found out that he’d took his own life.
‘Broken, devastated, just don’t want to believe it’s real but the sad reality is that it is, from driving me here, there and everywhere as a kid to watching me fulfil my dream of becoming a professional footballer.
‘I love you in this life and the next.
‘Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, please speak up, you don’t realise how much you are truly loved.’
Manchester United academy star Rhys Bennett has been granted compassionate leave following the death of his father at the weekend – which he revealed on social media
The 21-year-old defender shared pictures of him and his family with his father, as well as the telephone numbers for charities that provide urgent emotional support
Manchester United have offered Bennett pastoral support and have granted him time away
The youngster from Denton, Manchester also shared a post listing the telephone numbers for charities that provide urgent emotional support.
The club have offered him pastoral support and have granted him time away, reported the Manchester Evening News.
Meanwhile, several United teammates past and present replied with messages of support.
Dan Gore, 21, said: ‘So sorry brother, sending my love to you and your family.’
Tyler Fredricson wrote: ‘So sorry to hear mate, sending love to you.’
Gabriele Biancheri posted: ‘Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.’
Jack Kingdon added: ‘So sorry to hear bro, sending thoughts.’
Bennett captained the Manchester United side which won their first FA Youth Cup in 11 years in 2022 – in a team which featured Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. He scored in the final against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
Several United teammates past and present replied to Bennett’s post with messages of support
Bennett captained the Manchester United side which won their first FA Youth Cup in 11 years in 2022 – in a team which featured Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho – at Old Trafford
After spending last season on loan at Fleetwood Town, he returned to United’s Under-21s this season.
Bennett was an unused substitute in the 2-0 defeat at West Ham United in December 2023, while he earned some minutes for the first team during their 2024 pre-season tour of the United States under Ruben Amorim.
His two appearances this season for the Under 21s were against Athletic Bilbao in the Premier League International Cup and Lincoln City in the EFL Trophy last month.
