Jose Mourinho’s longtime assistant Rui Faria has been named head coach of Qatari side Al Duhail.

The 43 year old has been linked with a number of jobs since leaving Manchester United in the summer after 17 years working with Mourinho.

Al Duhail are the reigning champions of the Qatar Stars League.

The club said Faria – who was linked with Arsenal after Arsene Wenger’s departure last May – had been the subject of “great European offers”.

Aston Villa were said to be interested in him after the sacking of Steve Bruce in October.

At the time Faria was linked with Arsenal, Mourinho said he would be a “good fit” for the Premier League club.