‘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
Manchester United academy star Rhys Bennett has been given excused leave following the tragic death of his father.
The 21-year-old defender, who spent last season in Fleetwood Town, shared the sad news on social media.
In an Instagram post accompanied by four photos of his father David and his family, he wrote: ‘Dad, I never thought I would have to write this so quickly, I just found out you took your own life over the weekend.
‘Broken, devastated, I just don’t want to believe it’s real but the sad truth is, from dragging me here, there and everywhere as a kid, to watching me fulfill 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 raise your voice, you don’t realize how loved you truly are.’
Manchester United academy star Rhys Bennett has been given excused leave following the death of his father at the weekend, as he revealed on social media
The 21-year-old defender shared photos of himself and his family with his father, as well as phone numbers of charities providing immediate emotional support.
Manchester United offered Bennett moral support and gave him leave
The teenager, from Denton, Manchester, also shared a post listing phone numbers of charities providing urgent emotional support.
The club offered him moral support and gave him the leave, Manchester Evening News reported.
Meanwhile, many United team-mates past and present also responded with messages of support.
Dan Gore, 21, said: ‘I’m so sorry bro, sending my love to you and your family.’
Tyler Fredricson wrote: ‘So sorry to hear that man, sending you love.’
Gabriele Biancheri shared: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.’
Jack Kingdon added: ‘So sorry to hear it bro, sending your thoughts.’
Manchester United’s official Instagram account also responded: ‘Heartbreaking news, Rhys. We offer our deepest condolences to you, your family and everyone affected by this devastating loss. All our love.’
Many United team-mates past and present responded to Bennett’s post with messages of support
Bennett hails from Denton, Manchester, and earned some first-team minutes during United’s 2024 pre-season tour of the United States under Erik ten Hag.
Bennett pictured (centre) with teammates including Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford after Manchester United’s Carabao Cup final win in 2023
Bennett was captain of the Manchester United team that won the FA Youth Cup for the first time in 11 years in 2022; This team included Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. He scored in the final against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
His father, David, was clearly proud of his son’s achievements and regularly posted his latest achievements online.
After spending last season on loan at Fleetwood Town, he made 19 appearances for the League Two side and returned to United’s Under-21s at the start of this season.
As for senior experience, Bennett was an unused substitute in United’s 2-0 defeat against West Ham United in December 2023 and earned first-team minutes on the 2024 pre-season tour of America under Erik ten Hag.
He has made two appearances for the Under-21s this season; He played against Athletic Bilbao in the Premier League International Cup and against Lincoln City in the EFL Trophy last month.
Bennett’s sister Megan also took to social media to advocate for mental health awareness, saying: ‘I am sharing my father’s story and my experiences as his daughter to increase the important discourse around mental health awareness.
‘Anyone who knows me knows that I have been working in mental health for the last four years and that this passion stems from my experiences with my father.
‘I lost my father to suicide over the weekend. This is the result of a lifelong struggle with depression and alcoholism (unfortunately addiction issues often go hand in hand with mental health issues).
Bennett was captain of the Manchester United team that won its first FA Youth Cup in 11 years in 2022 with the team that included Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho at Old Trafford.
Bennett’s sister Megan also took to social media to raise awareness about mental health
He continued: ‘The pain suffered by me and my family is absolute devastation. Unfortunately, my father did not get to see how much he was loved. If one day you start to doubt how loved you are, remember that you are valuable and loved even if you cannot see it. I’m sharing this in case it could be a sign for someone. Dad, I will love you forever.
‘I believe my father was stuck in a cycle where he felt trapped by negative emotions and used alcohol to numb these emotions.
‘Unfortunately, when we use such strategies we fail to make progress and break the cycle.
‘If you’re having trouble getting help, that’s your sign; There is always a way out, there is always someone to lean on, and remember that there are services and groups you can rely on for support. You never have to do this alone.’
For confidential support call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support.
