Emilio Alvarez: Manchester United goalkeeping coach and David de Gea's friend leaves club

Alvarez departs shortly after De Gea signs new terms

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea with Emilio Alvarez (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Manchester United goalkeeping coach Emilio Alvarez has left Old Trafford with immediate effect, the club have confirmed.

Alvarez is close to David de Gea having worked together at Atletico Madrid and joined United in 2016 to reunite with his former colleague.

The Spaniard was the only member of Jose Mourinho’s backroom staff to be kept on under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, his successor as manager, last December.

News of Alvarez’s departure comes only weeks after De Gea brought uncertainty over his future to an end by signing a new four-year contract after months of protracted negotiations.

“I would like to thank Emilio for all his help and hard work since my return to the club,” said Solskjaer. ”We all wish him well for the future.”

Alvarez said: “I will always be proud of belonging to this club. Wishing you every success in your endeavours.”

In June, United re-appointed Richard Hartis as a senior goalkeeping coach – a role considered as above that of Alvarez.

Hartis was United’s head of academy goalkeeping between 2000 and 2010, though worked with the first team during the 2007-08 campaign.

Solskjaer employed Hartis at Molde and Cardiff City before bringing him back to United this summer.