United send support to Rhys Bennett

Rhys shared the heartbreaking news on social media on Monday, describing himself as “devastated”.

He also delivered a powerful message of support to people experiencing mental health challenges, in the hope of helping other families avoid similar tragedies in future.

He wrote: “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, please speak up, you don’t realise how much you are truly loved.”

Rhys is receiving wellbeing support from the club and has requested privacy for his family at this time of grief.

Our deepest condolences go to Rhys, his family, and anyone else affected by this devastating loss.

In a mark of respect, our Under-21s team will wear black armbands and hold a minute’s silence at this evening’s National League Cup fixture against Rochdale.

HELP AND SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE

For anyone struggling, help and support are available right now. The NHS in the UK recommends the following free helplines, which are there to support you, when you’re feeling down or desperate:

NHS - call 111

Samaritans - call 116 123

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - call 0800 58 58 58 (open 5pm to midnight, every day)

Papyrus - prevention of young suicide - call 0800 068 41 41, or text 07680 039967

Childline - for children and young people under 19 - call 0800 1111

In recent years, United have partnered with several charities and communities to raise awareness around mental health.

Representatives of Andy’s Man Club - a peer-to-peer group that provides a space for local men to support each other - as well as the ‘Mandem Meetup’ and Salford-based charity ‘Talk About It Mate’ were at Old Trafford ahead of our recent Premier League fixture against Chelsea.

All three charities provide a welcoming, safe space for members of our community who are seeking it.