The Manchester United goalkeeping coach Emilio Álvarez has admitted that he thought he would be surplus to requirements at Old Trafford after Jose Mourinho was sacked on December 18.
The 47-year-old was hired when Mourinho joined the club in the summer of 2016 on account of his close relationship with David de Gea following their time together at Atlético Madrid.
De Gea was promoted to the first team at the Vicente Calderón as a 17-year-old after Álvarez advised the move to then-manager Quique Sánchez Flores.
Mourinho kept close tabs on de Gea's development and regularly spoke to Álvarez about the Spanish prospect with the intention of working with de Gea in the future.
His wish was realised when he took the reins from Louis Van Gaal at Old Trafford, and his appointment of Álvarez to United's coaching staff was key to de Gea staying at the club amid interest from Real Madrid.
Mourinho was sacked after overseeing the Reds' worst start to a Premier League campaign in 28 years, though Álvarez was retained by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
"It looked as though I would have to leave," Álvarez told El País. "My sole link was the relationship I have with David and the reason for me staying here has been to continuing with him.
"I was ready for everything, but the club told me that they wanted me to stay. I've spoken to Jose and I can only be grateful to him. I like doing the right thing, not just the convenient thing."
