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.'
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.
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.
KingKorex
0
RIP
vupadlsuz
0
rip
Saeadimnoy
0
rip
jutbdenrtz
0
jutbdenrtz
0
Good evening, folks it's good to see people that actually notified. There's, I mean, I don't know why people realise isn't important that every single guy that notified everything I look at a friendly morning for years. Focus said that nothing has done that money should they're correct. Folks I know, people don't know this every day. I see people going in and like, oh, we know what, that's like, it's just absolutely. It's not right, people have like I know friend. I mean for you. She's walking along the barn guy. That's why are they doing it because there's Tom money? But everything girls, it doesn't happen, folks dominated by one single sartory, not only does But commitment tend nothing focuses
AFerxMba6732
3
Tragic 💔
Tayadenoy
1
may his soul rest in peace.
vatikloryz
0
different human with faith and no faith. beliver and non believer. is this the teaching of church? pope?
peteridris
0
RIP
Damemosuy
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Rip
Mide_reignz
0
RIP and stay focused Champ
tihlmrstyz
0
RIP
zowadkrstz
1
Stay strong 💪🏾🙏
wenadknrtu
0
my condolences bro 🙏
Zemikmos
1
R I P
Baebdiluy
1
May his soul rest in peace
Idintcareatall
0
white people and taking their life, haba
careful foo, careful!! None of us is safe from the filth of this world, which can push one to lose reason.
boswhyte
1
My condolences bro
zaheinstu
0
white people and taking their life, haba
What do you mean haha?!
zaheinstu
1
😪😪😪😪😪
Fatty010
1
RIP
Pizdilmz
2
May He Rest In Peace.🙏🏽
KomeYaguar
2
my condolences brother
mewaceknuy
2
condolences to Benets and the family
Mukablpy
2
Have my sympathy
hinbelnrtz
0
RIP
Ciuelnopuy
1
white people and taking their life, haba
chembahassan
0
sad
thisishayzed
0
sad
haabiloprs
1
so sad
rafaeljoel
2
so sad
faecelsuyz
1
my condolences for lose lose.