Manchester United assistant manager Rui Faria will leave his post at the end of the season as he ends his 17-year association with club manager Jose Mourinho.

His imminent departure was confirmed by Manchester United on Saturday.

Rui Faria, 42, has been a trusted friend and ally of Mourinho through coaching spells at Uniao Leiria, Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United thus earning him a reputation as Mourinho’s spiky sidekick.

He is set to take a break from football before “pursuing any new challenge.”

Rui Faria has worked with Mourinho since 2001 and was inevitably part of his team when he was named Manchester United manager in 2016.