• José Mourinho’s assistant decides ‘time is right for me to move on’ • Faria has worked with Mourinho for 17 years

Rui Faria is to leave Manchester United at the end of the season. The assistant manager has worked alongside José Mourinho at Old Trafford since 2016, having also been on his coaching staff during his spells at Chelsea, Porto, Internazionale and Real Madrid.

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Mourinho said: “Seventeen years… in Leiria, Porto, London, Milan, Madrid, London again and Manchester. Training, playing, travelling, studying, laughing and also a few tears of happiness. 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 I respect his decision, especially because I know we will always be together. Be happy, brother!”

In a statement on the United website, Faria said: “After a lot of consideration and with a very heavy heart I have decided the time is right to move on. I have had 17 years of incredible and unforgettable experiences. However, I have felt for some time 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 José 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.”

Kieran McKenna, United’s under-18s head coach, is in the frame to join Mourinho’s staff when Faria departs. The Northern Irishman joined two years ago from Tottenham Hotspur, where he was a youth coach, and won the under-18s championship this season.