LONDON: Jose Mourinho, expected to be confirmed as Manchester United manager any day now, has a place to offer Ryan Giggs on his coaching staff but not in the role of assistant manager which he held sacked Louis Van Gaal.

Mourinho wants long-time deputy Rui Faria as assistant manager but is believed keen to find a role for Giggs to extend his 29-year association with the club.

United’s most decorated player, had previously worked under David Moyes as player-coach, before taking charge of the final four games of the 2013-14 season in the role of interim manager when Moyes was sacked.

United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward briefed Giggs on the latest developments at the club’s Carrington training ground on Monday after the decision to replace Van Gaal.

Mourinho has worked with Faria since 2001, when the former was appointed manager of Uniao de Leiria, and hired Faria as fitness coach and assistant manager.

Partnership

They have been inseparable since, with Faria following Mourinho to Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, before returning to Chelsea for their second spell. The pair met at Mourino’s London home on Monday afternoon, spending around 90 minutes discussing their next move.

The future of highly-rated Under-21 team boss Warren Joyce is also uncertain. Blackburn Rovers approached United for permission to speak to Joyce last week.

Joyce is keen to make the step up to manage at a higher level, although he wishes to know where he fits in to Mourinho’s plans before making a final decision. It is thought United will not stand in Joyce’s way if he wishes to leave, but will defer the final decision to Mourinho.

United have agreed to pay up the final outstanding year on Van Gaal’s contract – setting the context for the “love-in” statements of mutual appreciation on the parting of the ways.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: “I would like to thank Louis and his staff for their excellent work in the past two years culminating in winning a record equalling 12th FA Cup for the club (and securing him a title in four different countries).

‘Dignity’

“He has behaved with great professionalism and dignity throughout his time here.

“He leaves us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best in the future.”

Van Gaal, in contrast to his tetchy post-Cup Final press conference, responded: “I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan,” Van Gaal said. “I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success.

“I hope that winning the FA Cup will give the club a platform to build upon next season to restore the success that this passionate set of fans desire.

“Having managed in Holland, Spain and Germany, I had always hoped for the opportunity to manage in English football and be part of English culture. Both of these experiences have lived up to expectations and been fantastic.

“I thank my players and wish them well for next season. It has been a pleasure to work with them and it has been particularly rewarding to see so many young players take their chance to break into the first team and excel. I look forward to watching the continued development of these young players next season.

‘Gratitude’

“Thank you to the owners and board of Manchester United for giving me the opportunity to manage this great club.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to the amazing United supporters. They are truly the best fans in the world.

“I am indebted to my support and coaching staff, who have given me their all during their time at the club.

“I am deeply grateful to each and every member of the club’s staff – the sports science team, the medical team, the kit and laundry department, club administration, the press office, the manager’s team, the Academy team, ground staff and the catering team, both at Old Trafford stadium and Carrington training ground, all of whom have given me their unwavering support in my time at United. Never in my 25 years as a manager have I been so well supported in my role.

“Finally, my special thanks go to Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton for always making me and my family feel so welcome throughout my time as Manchester United manager.”

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