Fermanagh native Kieran McKenna is reportedly in the frame to take over from Jose Mourinho’s longtime assistant Rui Faria at Manchester United next season.
Faria will be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the current campaign after 17 years working alongside Mourinho in Leiria, Porto, London, Milan, Madrid and Manchester.
The 42-year-old has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and Chelsea while according to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, McKenna, United’s under-18s head coach, is in the frame to join Mourinho’s staff when Faria leaves the club.
Faria said that he intended to spend some time with his family after his departure and that his heartfelt thanks went to Jose Mourinho for 17 years of incredible experiences.
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.”
Mourinho said of Faria’s departure: “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!”
