Manchester United: David de Gea's former mentor appointed as goalkeeping coach by Jose Mourinho
Emilio Alvarez, who spotted De Gea's talent at Atletico Madid, is one of six new backroom staff members at Old Trafford
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Your support makes all the difference.Jose Mourinho has appointed David de Gea’s former Atletico Madrid mentor as Manchester United’s new goalkeeping coach.
Emilio Alvarez, one of six new backroom staff members at Old Trafford, replaces Frans Hoek, who left the club following the dismissal of Louis van Gaal at the end of the season.
Alvarez’s appointment will be viewed as a clear indication that, one year after an administrative error prevented him joining Real Madrid, De Gea is set to stay in Manchester.
As an 18-year-old, De Gea caught the eye of Alvarez, who was Quique Sanchez Flores’ goalkeeping coach at Atletico in 2009.
De Gea was subsequently promoted above Sergio Asenjo, the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, and went on to play in 2-1 Europa League final win over Fulham later that season.
The Spain international has established himself as one of United’s most important players since joining the club for £17.8million in 2011.
Despite speculation linking him with a return to the Spanish capital, it now seems likely that De Gea will remain at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.
De Gea was reportedly prepared to leave the club if Van Gaal remained in charge. However, the Dutchman was replaced by Mourinho, whose agent, Jorge Mendes, also represents De Gea.
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