Rhys Bennett has become the latest player to depart from Manchester United this month, as the club continues to trim down its squad.
Bennett’s journey with Manchester United is over at 22 years old after a series of loans to lower league clubs.
He’d already outgrown academy football in the last two seasons but hadn’t managed to break into the senior squad.
That made a January exit seem likely, though most expected it to be another loan. Instead, Saturday brought confirmation of a permanent departure.
Fleetwood Town completes signing of Rhys Bennett
Following some earlier rumours, Bennett’s move to Fleetwood Town was made official on Saturday.
The defender signed a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee, marking his first permanent step away from Old Trafford.
Bennett had spent time at Fleetwood on loan last season, where he made a strong impression, and now the club has brought him in on a permanent basis.
After the move was finalised, Bennett spoke to the club’s website about his decision.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be back here,” he said. “From the moment I came in last time, it just felt like a family. I’m really excited to pick up where I left off and get back playing football.”
Reflecting on his loan spell, Bennett added:
“The style of football really worked for me. We wanted to play, be comfortable on the ball, and the back five suited me. There are a lot of good players here, and that helped me kick on.”
Bennett also discussed how this move fits into his development at this stage of his career:
“I’ve just turned 22, and I think now is the time to kick on and play as many games as I can,” he said. “I’ve been out on loan, I’ve played a lot of football, and it’s about getting more experience and growing as a player and as a person.
Manchester United’s Rhys Bennett joins Ethan Ennis at Fleetwood Town
Bennett is looking forward to life at his new club, with a good amount of professional football in front of him.
But before his exit, he did take the time to show gratitude to his time at Manchester United.
“I spent 16 years there, and they helped me every step of the way,” he said. “I’m really thankful to everyone for helping me grow, on and off the pitch.”
Bennett will see a familiar face upon joining Fleetwood Town, as Ethan Ennis is already there and putting together an impressive run of form in League Two.
“I’ve always been close with Ethan,” Bennett said. “He’s a top player and a top lad, so I’m looking forward to playing alongside him again.”
This could be exactly what Bennett needs to ignite his career path, and we’ll be watching closely how he progresses.
- READ MORE: Man Utd academy player nicknamed ‘Our Pedri’ already impressing Michael Carrick and Coaches
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