Manchester United have granted two of their players some extra time off following the death of Diogo Jota last week.

The Liverpool star lost his life alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in a fatal car crash in northwest Spain as they were trying to get to Santander.

Jota had been advised against flying by his doctors after a recent lung surgery, which forced him to take his Lamborghini from Porto.

The death shook the football world, bringing all the players together as they mourned a star who had died just 11 days after saying 'I do' to his childhood sweetheart.

Among those who condoled with the Liverpool family were their greatest rivals, Manchester United.

The club returned for preseason training on Monday, July 7, but has given two of their players some extra time off to grieve Jota and his brother, as the Sun reports.

The players, captain Bruno Fernandes and fullback Diogo Dalot, were close to Jota, given that they played together on the national team.

It was only last month that they won the UEFA Nations League after beating Spain in the final. Fernandes started that game in Munich while Jota was brought in extra time. Dalot was an unused substitute.

Both Fernandes and Dalot attended Jota's wake and his funeral at the Capela da Ressurreicao in Gondomar last week.

The Red Devils, who are big rivals of Liverpool, put football aside to pay their respects to Jota and his brother.

"Manchester United’s deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following Thursday’s heartbreaking news," read a statement on their website.

Fernandes said,

"Friend, colleague, and companion in a thousand battles. It’s hard to understand how someone can leave so soon. May you and your brother find the peace you need to look after those who lost you so suddenly and so soon. My condolences to all your family."

While Dalot said,

"Devastating... speechless... much strength to the family."

Former Manchester United star and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo said,

"It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you got married.

“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 André. We will all miss you."

Ruben Amorim's players were spotted returning to their Carrington Training base with works expected to begin in earnest.

The head coach and players will be keen on banishing the poor memories of last season, where they finished a disappointing 15th and lost the Europa League final.

In a separate story, Diogo Jota's final public message to his wife before his passing emerged.

Just days before his death, Jota left an emotional comment on his wife's Instagram post, which was captioned 'My dream came true.' He wrote, 'But I'm the lucky one.'

Jota and Rute Cardoso had three children together, all under four years and will have to come to terms with the death of their father in future.

Source: TUKO.co.ke