David De Gea has credited Manchester United goalkeeping coach Emilio Alvarez for his development into one of the world's best shot-stoppers.

Alvarez followed De Gea to Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid in 2011 when the Spaniard was 20 years of age.

De Gea, 27, overcame growing pains in his early years in the Premier League, and he told Sky Sports that his relationship with Alvarez has helped him immensely.

"We have known each other for a long time and worked together when I was a lot younger," De Gea said. "He knows what to say, how to deal with me if there are any doubts entering your mind, he has helped me an awful lot.

"He knows me as a player and as a person and there is a special feeling that exists between us, a really good working relationship, so I think if you are looking for a reason why things are going well this season this might be one of the reasons behind it."