22-yo United player in talks to leave before deadline day, permanent exit “on the table” – report

Manchester United starlet Rhys Bennett is reportedly in talks over a potential exit before the January transfer window closes. United spell could be coming to an end Having joined United in childhood and risen through the academy ranks, Bennett is still awaiting his senior debut. He put pen to paper on his first professional contract with United in January 2022. That same year, he captained United Under-18s to victory in the 2021/22 FA Youth Cup. It marked the first time United had won the competition since 2011. Bennett scored the opening goal in the 3-1 triumph over Nottingham Forest as part of a team that also consisted of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. The defender extended his United contract in 2023 and was named on the senior bench for the first time in December during a Premier League meeting with West Ham. He has been part of multiple other matchday squads but has never been handed the opportunity to get on the pitch. The 22-year-old has had loan spells at Stockport County and, most recently, Fleetwood Town for the 2024/25 campaign. His earlier time at Stockport proved difficult, with first-team minutes hard to secure. His time at Fleetwood was more productive. He made 38 appearances for the League Two outfit, scoring one goal in that period. He then returned to United. According to the Manchester Evening News, Bennett is locked in discussions over a potential return to Fleetwood. There is even a chance that he could move there permanently. Bennett transfer update The newspaper reveals, “Manchester United defender Rhys Bennett is in talks to join Fleetwood Town before the January transfer window deadline.” “The Manchester Evening News understands early discussions have taken place to facilitate a move for Bennett in the winter window, a few months after the youngster missed out on leaving in the summer.” Steven Railston adds, “Bennett could sign for Fleetwood on loan with a clause to make the move permanent at the end of the season. The option for Bennett to leave on a permanent transfer in this window is also on the table.” United regularly insert sell-on clauses into outgoing deals and are likely to do the same for Bennett. Fleetwood will be aiming to negotiate the percentage of the sell-on clause. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!