How Manchester United work experience helped Rhys Bennett seal Stockport County loan

Manchester United youngster Rhys Bennett is looking to gain some valuable experience in the professional game after joining Stockport County on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 20-year-old has left United to join the League Two leaders as he looks to make his competitive debut at senior level and get a first proper taste of men's football.

Bennett has been on the bench four times since Erik ten Hag took charge, including twice this season, but has yet to make his first appearance for United.

TRANSFERS: How United could line up after following Premier League transfer strategy

LUCKHURST: Dalot is set to make good on Jose Mourinho's prediction

The Manchester Evening News revealed earlier on Friday that an agreement was in place for Bennett to move to Stockport, with a formal announcement coming later in the evening.

Bennett, who impressed when he spent a month on work experience with Stockport last season, will hope to be involved when they face Notts County in a pivotal League Two clash on Saturday.

Speaking of the deal, Stockport manager Dave Challinor said: “Rhys is someone we know and who knows us. He spent a couple of months with us last season as part of an arrangement we had with Man United to get some younger players into our environment to train.

"It’s fair to say he made a lasting impression on all of the staff not just in terms of his ability, but as a character and personality in being mature and having an understanding of the game. When the opportunity came to bring him back in, especially due to our current situation, it was something we were all keen to do and it’s great to have him back with us.”

Those thoughts were also echoed by the Director of Football, Simon Wilson, who was delighted to