 After Nasser's death in September 1970, Marwan became a close aide to Sadat, who needed him by his side in order to demonstrate that he had the support of Nasser's family.In May 1971, Marwan played an important role in defeating an alleged coup attempt by Nasser's loyalists, including Sami Sharaf, against Sadat's rule.Following those events, known as the "Corrective Revolution", Sharaf was arrested and Sadat nominated Marwan to replace him.