Quique Sanchez Flores has described David De Gea as one of his sons ahead of Watford's game against Manchester United

It was back in 2009 that the duo crossed paths at Atletico Madrid. De Gea was a promising 18-year-old when Flores took charge at the club in October. 

The Spaniard was charged with salvaging Atleti’s season after they had made a poor start to the 2009/2010 La Liga campaign.

With first-choice goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo struggling for form, Flores turned to De Gea.

As the saying goes, the rest is history. Despite his tender age De Gea thrived under Flores.

He became the club's number one and one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga. 

Less than two years later he joined Manchester United for £17.8 million, a fee that remains a British record for a goalkeeper.

After initially struggling at Old Trafford, the 25-year-old has gone on to become one of the world’s best.

And his task tomorrow will be to stop Flores’ Watford side from claiming their first ever league victory at Old Trafford.

But no matter the score and the result, the Hornets boss is looking forward to seeing a man he considers to be family.

Flores said: “I love De Gea. He is like another kid for me. I supported him when he was 18. The feelings that I have for David are amazing.

“I haven’t spoken to him for maybe three years. After the first game [at Vicarage Road] I didn’t see him. I know he was looking for me but I was with the press. I couldn’t say hello.

“I usually say hello to all the players I know in this league, like (David) Silva, (Sergio) Aguero and (Diego) Costa. De Gea is like one of my sons. I would like to say hello to him.”