Aston Villa’s search for a new manager could finally be coming to an end with the appointment of Rui Faria, according to The Express.
The 43-year-old has been unemployed since leaving Manchester United, where he was assistant manager. He has spent his entire coaching career working alongside Jose Mourinho, following his fellow countryman to Uniao Leiria, Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and then Old Trafford.
Villa have been hunting for a new boss since axing Steve Bruce, who had failed to lift the club out of mid-table obscurity and paid with his job.
It seemed that Premier League legend Thierry Henry was going to succeed Bruce and bring John Terry with him as his assistant. However, Henry has reportedly claimed that he does not want to take charge of the Midlands strugglers.
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is said to be in the frame and David Moyes also been linked with the role, but Faria has now emerged as the favourite to succeed Bruce.
He left Manchester United at the end of the 2017/18 campaign, making the following statement after moving on:
“After a lot of consideration, and with a very heavy heart, I have decided the time is right for me to move on. I have had 17 years of incredible and unforgettable experiences. However, I have felt for some time that 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 the manager, Jose 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.”
Faria is a managerial novice but has played pivotal roles in UEFA Champions League triumphs with Porto and Inter Milan.
The Villains will be keen to have a new man at the helm before the international break ends and Swansea City visit the Midlands on Saturday 20th October.
