Jose Mourinho's Top Assistant, Rui Faria, Announces Manchester United Departure

Rui Faria, Jose Mourinho's assistant manager, will leave Manchester United at the end of the season.

The club announced the news on its official website on Saturday, with Faria saying he will walk away to "spend much more quality time with my family."

Faria added his gratitude to United:

"I would also like to thank Manchester United and all the clubs where I have had the privilege of working during this period. I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the staff and players who, in different ways, have made an important contribution to my growth as a person and as a professional."

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The 42-year-old also thanked Mourinho for his faith and confidence during their long working association which has spanned six clubs and nearly two decades.

For his part, Mourinho added: "17 years…in Leiria, Porto, London, Milan, Madrid, London again and Manchester. Training, playing, travelling, studying, laughing and also a few tears of happiness."

Faria had recently been linked with the Arsenal job, per Martin Lipton of The Sun. Lipton noted how Faria risked being "blackballed" by Mourinho if he joined the Gunners.

However, Mourinho himself later endorsed his longtime No. 2's credentials to succeed Arsene Wenger, who will step down after 22 years at the helm in north London. Mourinho even said he would help his friend pack his bags for the trip, per BBC Sport.

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Whatever Faria does next, Mourinho now faces the challenge of replacing his assistant while trying to return the Red Devils to the summit of the Premier League.

United midfielder Michael Carrick will join the coaching staff full time when he retires from playing this summer.