There are a number of young Manchester United players in limbo after failing to make the club’s summer tour of the US.
Eight youngsters made the 32-man squad, fewer than last season, with no international tournaments delaying the return of first team stars like in 2024.
Rhys Bennett was one player who failed to make the cut. He did make the tour in 2024, and has been overlooked this time around.
He was among the Manchester United players who represented the under-21 side in a friendly against Fleetwood Town’s first team on July 27.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty ImagesRhys Bennett and Ethan Ennis star in under-21 win
Fleetwood Town begin their League Two campaign this weekend. They warmed up with their final pre-season fixture, losing to Manchester United’s under-21s.
Ethan Ennis scored the winner for United, with Fleetwood’s website remarking how he, “found space on the edge of the box and rifled an effort into the top corner.”
Ennis spent the second half of last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers, where he provided two assists in 17 appearances.
For Rhys Bennett, the game was particularly satisfying, keeping a clean sheet and earning a 1-0 win against the team he represented last season.
Bennett had a successful loan spell at Fleetwood, making 38 appearances in total. This game was a reminder to them about his quality, if they needed it.
Bennett future unclear at United
Rhys Bennett was the captain of Manchester United’s 2022 FA Youth Cup winning team, scoring the opening goal in the final.
Injury in late 2022 and at the start of the 2023 season delayed his progress, and while he did feature in friendly games under Erik ten Hag, he did not make a first team appearance for the club.
Bennett is now 21, and has proven to be a player who can cope with the rigours of first team football at a competitive level, after spells at Fleetwood Town and Stockport.
He has been passed over by Ruben Amorim in favour of Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven and Reece Munro, younger defenders who have gone on tour.
A permanent exit will be in his best interests this summer, and it is good to see him back playing again.