Manchester United academy star Rhys Bennett has opened up about the impact of his father’s death and vowed to use his pain as motivation for his football career.
In October, Bennett shared the sad news that his dad, David, had taken his own life – leaving him ‘broken’ and ‘devastated’.
The 22-year-old was granted compassionate leave by United after the tragedy.
And speaking in an interview with BBC Sport on Monday, the centre back expressed his heartache at his father not being able to see how his career develops – but vowed to honour his memory.
‘It gives you a different perspective and gives you a purpose,’ he said.
‘As much as what has happened is terrible, Dad wouldn’t want that to derail my career or change my outlook on life.
Manchester United’s Rhys Bennett (right) has opened about his father David’s death in October after he took his own life
The 22-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
‘It seemed things got too much for him, but all he ever wanted for me was to do well. I’ll keep that with me.
‘The things I achieve in life will be bittersweet because he’s never going to be there to see it.
‘But it still spurs you on. It gives you that fire in your belly that I’m going to do this for him, my family and myself.
‘I know, in good days and bad, he is always there with me in spirit.’
Bennett was aware too of the importance of his interview and urged anyone who may have the same thoughts as his father to ‘just reach out’ for help first.
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.
His father David was clearly very proud of his son’s achievements and regularly posted online about his latest successes.
After spending last season on loan at Fleetwood Town where he made 19 appearances for the League Two side, he returned to United’s Under-21s for the beginning of this campaign.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, Bennett spoke of the impact of the passing on his career
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
Bennett pictured (centre) with team-mates including Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford following Manchester United’s Carabao Cup final win in 2023
As for senior experience, Bennett was an unused substitute in United’s 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 Erik ten Hag.
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 in September.
Currently recovering from a knee injury, Bennett is hoping he can secure a loan move to a League One club next month.
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