United No 2 Faria set to leave club

RUI FARIA, trusted confidante and assistant of Jose Mourinho, will leave Manchester United at the end of the season.

Faria, 42, who was linked with the manager’s post at Arsenal, wants to spend more time with his family before testing himself as a head coach and leaves with Mourinho’s blessing.

Faria has worked with Mourinho for 17 years and club captain Michael Carrick is an early contender to replace him after his shock departure. The pair have enjoyed a tempestuous relationship, with Faria unafraid to exchange frank views or challenge Mourinho in front of staff at United and previously at Chelsea.

Faria said: ‘I have decided the time is right for me to move on. I have had 17 years of incredible and unforgettable experiences.

‘However, I have felt for some time that I would like to spend much more quality time with my family before pursuing any new challenge in my professional life.

‘My heartfelt thanks go to the manager, Jose Mourinho, for the belief he had in me, all those years ago, when it all was just a student dream.

‘I would like to thank him for the opportunity and confidence, for the knowledge and experience, but most importantly for his friendship.

‘I wish you all the best for the future, knowing that you will always be my close friends.’

Mourinho said: ‘Seventeen years and the kid is now a man. The intelligent student is now a football expert, ready for a successful career as a manager.

‘I will miss my friend and that is the hardest thing for me, but his happiness is more important and, of course, I respect his decision, especially because I know that we will always be together. Be happy, brother!’