Rhys Bennett (footballer, born 2003)

Rhys Joseph Wright Bennett (born 30 October 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Stockport County on loan from Manchester United.

Early life
Bennett is from Denton, Greater Manchester. He attended Stalybridge Celtic Juniors’ soccer school as a six-year-old. He went to school at Russell Scott Primary School in Tameside, and Audenshaw High School.

Career
A centre-half, Bennett is a product of the Manchester United academy having joined the club at U10 level. He signed a first professional contract with the club in 2022. Bennett captained the Manchester United U18 FA Youth Cup side to victory in the 2021-22 season. He also scored in the final, a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest U18. He travelled with the United first team squad on their mid-season training camp to Spain in December 2022, but missed six months at the start of 2023 with injury.

In July 2023, he signed a new professional contract with the club. He was named as part of the senior United match-day side, in December 2023 in an away Premier League tie with West Ham United. In January 2024, he joined EFL League Two side Stockport County on a six-month loan. He made his Stockport league debut on 17 February 2024 against Tranmere Rovers.

Honors
Stockport County
 * EFL League Two: 2023–24