Jul 22, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes (8) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first half against Arsenal at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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Manchester Unted Duo Granted Extended Leave After Untimely Death of Liverpool Star Diogo Jota

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United squad will travel to Stockholm later this month for their first pre-season friendly.

Manchester United have granted Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot extended compassionate leave following the untimely passing of Portugal teammate Diogo Jota. The football world continues to mourn the Liverpool forward, who tragically died alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in a car accident in Spain just two weeks after his wedding.

Both Fernandes and Dalot travelled to Gondomar to attend Jota’s funeral on Saturday. The duo joined Liverpool players and members of Portugal’s footballing community in paying their respects to their friend and teammate. The pair, who were part of Portugal’s Nations League-winning squad in July, had been scheduled to report back to Carrington this week as United prepare for the new season.

Fernandes and Dalot Heartbroken After Jota’s Tragic Death

Premier League champions Liverpool delayed their return to pre-season training from last Friday to Monday after the tragic incident. Meanwhile, United have confirmed that Fernandes and Dalot will not be required to return immediately. The Premier League side has granted them the full week off to grieve and process the loss. A club source noted that both players are “heartbroken,” with teammates and staff rallying around the duo during this difficult time.

Man United have granted Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot an additional week of leave following the passing of Diogo Jota.

A source said "Bruno and Dalot are devastated and in a state of shock after attending the funeral. Manchester United players have surrounded them with… pic.twitter.com/BUceaC0Ett
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) July 7, 2025

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United squad will travel to Stockholm later this month for their first pre-season friendly, taking on Leeds United on July 19. Following their time in Sweden, the team is set to fly to the United States for the next stage of their pre-season preparations.

Also Read: Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho Among Stars Set for Manchester United Exit This Summer

United captain Fernandes and right-back Dalot each shared personal tributes on social media following Jota’s death, reflecting the close bond they shared with the Liverpool forward. Posting on Instagram, Fernandes wrote, “Friend, colleague and companion of a thousand battles, it’s hard to understand how can someone leave so soon.”

Bruno Fernandes pays tribute to Diogo Jota. pic.twitter.com/l1YP061d4l
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 3, 2025

Meanwhile, Dalot wrote: “Devastating… speechless… much strength to the family.”

Bruno Fernandes

Diogo Dalot

Diogo Jota

Liverpool

Manchester United

Ruben Amorim

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.