Stockport County welcome Rhys Bennett on loan from Manchester United

Stockport County have announced the signing of defender Rhys Bennett on loan from Manchester United for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old, who captained Manchester United's FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2022 and scored in the final, will join the Edgeley Park squad, pending EFL approval.

Dave Challinor, First-Team Manager at Stockport, expressed his satisfaction with Bennett's arrival.

"Rhys is someone we know and who knows us," he said.

Challinor highlighted the player's previous training with the team, noting, "He made a lasting impression on all of the staff not just in terms of his ability, but as a character and personality."

Simon Wilson, Director of Football, emphasised the benefits of the clubs' collaboration.

"This is a good example of how clubs can work effectively with each other," Wilson remarked.

He recalled Bennett's prior work experience with the team, stating, "Rhys has kicked on since with United’s first-team but is now available for loan... The previous time together gives us all a head start."

Bennett, originally from Denton, has been active in the U21s and has been named in Manchester United's first-team matchday squad by Erik Ten Hag three times this season.

He will be wearing the number 26 shirt and is set to be available for the upcoming game against Notts County.

This move marks the first loan of Bennett's career and follows Stockport's signing of Rico Richards from Aston Villa earlier in the week.