Fleetwood Town have completed the signing of defender Rhys Bennett from Manchester United, marking the end of his 16-year association with the Premier League giants. The 22-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Highbury, has joined the League Two side on a permanent deal. Next fixture: vs Tranmere (away, 2027-02-27) (11th in the table).
What happened?
Bennett made 38 appearances for Fleetwood last season, scoring twice during his two loan spells. The centre-back also had a six-month stint with Stockport County in 2024. After his departure, Bennett took to Instagram to thank Manchester United, writing: "After 16 years at Man United, my time has come to an end. I'm ready to kick on and grow even more as a player and as a person."
Why it matters for Fleetwood Town
The signing of Bennett is a significant boost for Fleetwood Town, who will be looking to build on their current 11th-place standing in League Two. The defender's experience and leadership will be valuable as they prepare for their upcoming fixture against Tranmere Rovers on 27 February 2027.
What comes next?
Bennett's former Manchester United academy teammates, including Chido Obi, Joe Hugill, Ethan Wheatley, Shea Lacey, Finley McAllister, and Daniel Gore, have all wished him well. The defender, who captained United's youth team to FA Cup glory in 2022, is now focused on making an immediate impact at Fleetwood Town.
