Manchester United defender Rhys Bennett has been granted compassionate leave from the club after announcing the death of his father.
Bennett, 21, signed his first professional contract with United in 2022 after coming through the youth academy.
He was born and raised in Denton, Manchester, and captained United's U18 side as they won the FA Youth Cup in the 2021/22 season.
After a spell on loan at League Two club Fleetwood Town last season, Bennett stayed at Old Trafford over the summer and has represented United's U21 side while occasionally training with the first team in recent months.
He is yet to make a senior competitive appearance for United, but did play in four pre-season friendlies ahead of the 2023/24 season.
On Monday, Bennett took to Instagram to confirm the passing of his father, announcing that he took his own life.
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 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 Manchester Evening News have reported that Bennett has been granted compassionate leave by United, who are also providing pastoral care and support.
Several current and former United stars sent their condolences to Bennett and his family, with Scott McTominay - now of Napoli - writing: "So sorry brother, thinking of you and your family."
Kobbie Mainoo wrote: "Sending love to you and your family bro, sorry for your loss."
While ex-United winger and current Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga said: "So sorry to hear my brother! My condolences to you and your family."
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article and would like to speak to someone in confidence, there are several helplines available to support you. The Samaritans offer an anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123, or you can email them directly.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) also operate a phoneline from 5pm to midnight every day on 0800 58 58 58, while they also have a webchat service if you would prefer not to talk over the phone.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Manchester United, Premier League, Football
Ryan Smart