Manchester United defender Rhys Bennett has released a heartbreaking statement, revealing his father has taken his own life.
The Sun report that the club is providing pastoral care for the 21-year-old after the devastating family tragedy.
Bennett wrote on Instagram, alongside pictures of his father: ‘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.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
‘Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, please speak up, you don’t realise how much you are truly loved.’
Manchester United have given Bennett compassionate leave as he grieves for his father.
Bennett is yet to make a senior appearance for Manchester United, but has been involved in the first team squad on match day.
He was captain of the Red Devils side which won the FA Youth Cup in 2022, playing alongside the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
He has since spent time on loan with Stockport County and Fleetwood Town, making 19 appearances for the Cod Army last season.
Speaking last season about his time at Fleetwood, Bennett said: ‘I’ve really enjoyed being at Fleetwood and playing regularly.
‘It really does mean something and points really matter. That has been massive for me and I like having that bit of added pressure to games and scenarios.
‘I’ve had Darren Fletcher text me a few times, asking me how it’s going or he’s already seen the result or something like that. And then obviously the Under-21s’ gaffer and assistant, Trav [Travis Binnion] and Dave [Hughes], they’ve checked in with me regularly.
‘When I was younger, I used to get carried away with thinking, “what’s the next couple of years going to look like?” You can lose focus on what’s in front of you right now. It’s still in the back of my mind, but the focus is on the next game and getting the most out of this.’
MORE: Gary Neville picks out Man Utd trio for special praise after Brighton win
MORE: Man Utd make decision as Ruben Amorim asks to sign Barcelona star
MORE: Ruben Amorim still wants to sign £33m star who snubbed Man Utd last summer