Rhys Bennett of Manchester United’s academy has been granted a compassionate leave after the death of his dad. The 21-year-old, who spent the last season with Fleetwood Town in the English Premier League, announced the sad news through social media. In an Instagram post accompanied by four images with his father David and family, he 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 now and forever.’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 awayThe 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 replied: “Sorry to hear, mate. Sending love to you.”Gabrielle Biancheri wrote: “Thoughts, prayers and love are with you and the family.”Jack Kingdon also added: “Sorry to hear, bro. Sending thoughts.”Manchester United’s Instagram page also replied: ‘Heartbreaking News, Rhys. You, your family and anyone else affected are our sincerest condolences. All our love.’ Bennett was pictured with Scott McTominay (centre), Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and other team-mates following Manchester United’s Carabao Cup Final win in 2023. Bennett captained the Manchester United team that won the FA Youth Cup for the first time in 11 years, in 2022. The team included Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford. 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. Bennett spent last season on loan with Fleetwood Town, where he played 19 games for League Two. He returned to United’s under-21s at the start of this campaign. City Megan Bennett also used social media to promote mental health awareness. She said: “I am sharing his story and mine as his child to add to important discourse about mental health awareness.”Anyone who knows my work in mental health care will know I have been doing it for four years. My passion is a result of the experience that I had with my father.”I lost my dad by suicide over the weekend. It is the culmination of a lifetime of depression and addiction (addiction problems often go hand-in-hand with mental health problems unfortunately). Bennett captained Manchester United in the 2022 FA Youth Cup, a team that included Kobbie Garnacho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Megan Bennett. Megan also used social media to promote mental health awareness. She continued, “The pain left behind for myself and my family, is devastation.” My dad, unfortunately, was not able to understand the depth of love that was shown to him. Remember that you’re loved even if it isn’t obvious. I share this just in case someone has a similar sign. I will always love you, Dad. I believe that my dad was trapped in a negative cycle and used alcohol to numb his feelings.Unfortunately, when we employ such strategies, we cannot make progress or break the cycle.If you are struggling to get support, this is your sign. There’s always an option, and there’s a shoulder you can lean on. Also, remember that there are groups and services you can lean on to receive help. Never feel like you have to go it alone.’For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
2025-10-27 13:03:26
‘Broken’ Man United player, 21, reveals his father has taken his own life: Club give compassionate leave to FA Youth Cup captain who played with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho
