Reflecting on his experiences last season, Bennett acknowledged that fighting for points in League Two had been a valuable learning experience and had significantly enhanced his ability to perform under pressure.
“That has been massive for me and I like having that bit of added pressure to games and scenarios. When I was younger, I used to get carried away with thinking, ‘what’s the next couple of years going to look like?’ You can lose focus on what’s in front of you right now. It’s still in the back of my mind, but the focus is on the next game and getting the most out of this.”
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim may hand youngster Rhys Bennett a first-team opportunity after the defender’s proposed loan switch fell through. The 21-year-old centre-back enjoyed a spell at Fleetwood Town last campaign and has been earmarked for senior football in the coming months.
Bennett was anticipated to feature in a superior league this term following his League Two experience but has stayed put at Carrington after the summer window shut.
The Manchester Evening News reports that a temporary departure represented the “most logical option” for Bennett, though integration with the senior squad now appears increasingly likely.
The publication suggests he has “outgrown academy football” and could be primed for promotion after one staff member allegedly declared: “Rhys has his sights set high.”
Such comments may hint at a breakthrough under Amorim this campaign, the report claims, as Bennett targets his Red Devils bow having previously worked alongside the first team during pre-season preparations.
The Portuguese tactician has established a reputation for promoting academy prospects, having elevated players including Toby Collyer, Tyler Fredricson, Amad, Chido Obi and Harry Amass.
Despite fresh arrivals during the summer window, Amorim still included Fredricson amongst his substitutes for clashes with Arsenal and Fulham, offering Bennett encouragement regarding his own prospects. Fredricson was given a chance to shine in United’s surprising Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town last month, but was substituted at half time, opening the door for Bennett to potentially take his place in Amorim’s plans, according to reports.
Last season, he made 38 appearances across all competitions for Fleetwood, netting once, as the team secured a 14th place finish in League Two.
Bennett, who led a Manchester United Under-18s side to FA Youth Cup glory in 2022 – a team that included emerging talents like Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Dan Gore – has real prospects of making it big.