Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were team-mates with Diogo Jota for the Portuguese national team and Manchester United will allow them extra time to grieve after his tragic death
Manchester United have granted stars Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot additional time off following the tragic death of Portugal team-mate Diogo Jota. Fernandes and Dalot both attended the Liverpool forward's funeral in their homeland on Saturday after Jota, 28, died alongside his brother in a horrific car crash last week.
All three players were part of the Portugal squad who won the Nations League in July, beating Spain on penalties in the final. The United duo were scheduled to return to Manchester this week as the Red Devils begin pre-season training.
But Fernandes and Dalot will be allowed to return later than the rest of United's first-team quad. The Sun report that the pair have both been granted a week's compassionate leave.
A source adds that both players are 'heartbroken' and explains that United's squad have 'rallied around them'. Red Devils captain Fernandes and right-back Dalot each shared tributes on social media following Jota's death.
"Friend, colleague and companion in a thousand battles," Fernandes posted. "It is difficult to understand how it is possible for someone to leave so soon.
"May you and your brother find the peace you need to look after those you lost so soon and suddenly. My condolences to your entire family."
Dalot wrote: "Devastating... speechless... much strength to the family."
A number of other United players past and present shared tributes. Portugal captain and former Red Devils striker Cristiano Ronaldo also posted: "It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married.
PORTO, PORTUGAL - OCTOBER 13: Bruno Fernandes of Portugal, Diogo Dalot of Portugal, Otavio of Portugal, Antonio Silva of Portugal, Diogo Jota of Portugal celebrate after winning the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Portugal and Slovakia at Estadio do Dragao on October 13, 2023 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Joao Rico/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were team-mates with Diogo Jota for Portugal
"To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you."
Harry Maguire said: "So sad. RIP. Heartbreaking." Mason Mount commented: "Absolutely devastating news. Rest in peace Diogo and Andre. Deepest condolences and thoughts are with the family."
Amad also said: "My sincere condolences to Jota's Family and his Wife. We are all devastated by this news. May their souls rest in peace." Joshua Zirkzee added: "Unbelievable news... rest in perfect paradise, prayers to your loved ones."
United begin their pre-season campaign against Leeds in Sweden on Saturday, July 19. Ruben Amorim's team then play West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton on tour in the United States. Their fifth and final match is at home to Fiorentina on Saturday, August 9.
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