The unexpected elevation of Ecuador into the last 16 of the World Cup has been due in no small measure to a link with Manchester United.

The cynics scoffed that this was a side who could only operate at altitude and in Quito, where they defeated Argentina and Brazil in qualifying.

Instead, Ecuador opened in Group A with successive victories against Poland and Costa Rica. England are looming on the horizon.

The South American's success under coach Luis Fernando Suarez can be traced back to talks he had before the tournament with United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz.

The meeting had been organised by London-born Les Dickens, who now lives in Ecuador and acts a consultant to their football federation (FEF).

Suarez was anxious to get the inside track on how European teams are set up and travelled to United's plush training complex at Carrington, near Sale.

Dickens, who has known the Colombian-born boss for 11 years, accompanied him on the trip.

United gave them access to all areas with coach Mike Phelan involved as well as Queiroz. The visit proved an eye-opener for the Ecuador coach.

Dickens said: "Suarez came away with a better understanding of European teams after meeting Queiroz.

"It was a great learning experience from him and very uplifting.

"As a manager you are very much on your own and Manchester United were very helpful.

"They rolled out the red carpet and we were given the royal tour and stayed for five hours.

"It was important for Suarez going into the greatest tournament in the world to see one of the best training centres anywhere in football.

"The visit was certainly worthwhile, you just have to look at how Ecuador played when they defeated Poland."

The South Americans will top the group on Tuesday if they get a point against the hosts Germany in Berlin.

Dickens added: "They love their football in Ecuador and it is crazy there at the moment.

"There was a talk about their success coming only at altitude but any team that can defeat Brazil and Argentina deserves respect."