Manchester United Champions League – Charlie Savage: Several Manchester United Academy players were handed an appearance against Young Boys in the Champions League fixture to impress the new manager and also to make their mark in the club’s history. The headlines were grabbed by Zidane Iqbal & Charlie Savage who made their debuts for the club, which they have been part of since they were kids. Robbie Savage Ex-Manchester United player who was in the commentary for the match held back his tears while saying “Coming on for Manchester United is Charlie Savage for Juan Mata. Wow. I never believed I would say those words.” Follow InsideSport.IN for news and live updates
Former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage was filled with pride as he commentated on his son Charlie’s first-team debut for Manchester United on Wednesday. The 18-year-old came on for Ralf Rangnick’s first Champions League game as Manchester United manager in which United’s drew 1-1 with Swiss club Young Boys and his introduction was announced by father Robbie on BT Sport.
Very few dads are fortunate to watch their son make his first-team debut for one of the biggest clubs in the world and Robbie Savage was the lucky one of the lot as he watched his son from the commentary box.
Manchester United: Charlie Savage makes his debut for Man United, while father Robbie commentates during the game
Fighting back the tears, Robbie Savage said, “I’m starting to tear up because Charlie has achieved so much in his young life.
“He’s never been top of the class but his application, his work ethic and desire has got him to where he is. My father who’s sadly not with us would be looking down proud of his grandson. His nan at home will be in tears now.”
“He’s a great kid and he’ll do everything. He’s a great player and has a wonderful left foot. He’s one very lucky boy but a boy who’s worked incredibly hard.”
Charlie, who plays in the same central midfield position as his dad, signed his first professional contract with United in April and has also made three appearances for Wales’ Under-19 team.
Robbie Savage began his career at United and was a member of their famous FA Youth Cup-winning side in 1992. That was the highly unlikely yet magical scenario that unfolded for former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Former Leicester, Blackburn and Birmingham midfielder Savage was working on Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Young Boys in the Champions League group stage as a co-commentator for BT Sport. Then, in the 89th minute, Savage’s 18-year-old son Charlie came on for Juan Mata in front of a 73,156 crowd. Wales youth international Charlie touched the ball five times during his short time on the pitch, making three passes.
Speaking before kick-off after learning his son had been named a substitute, Savage said, “First and foremost, he’s a great kid. He’ll do everything. Listen, he’s a good player, he’s got a great left foot, he can pass the ball in between the lines and what he’s got, whether Ralf Rangnick plays a 4-2-2-2, he can run.”
“I think he’s the second fittest at the football club. The lads give him a bit of stick because I’m his dad, but it’s not about me, it’s about Charlie Savage.”
“He’s one very lucky boy but a lucky boy who’s worked extremely hard and got to where he’s got to with pure dedication, taking the right pathways, application and desire.”
Delighted to have made my first team debut for @manchesterunited in the champions league. I would like to thank all the academy staff for their support over the last 14 years and the manager for putting his trust in me tonight ⚽️❤️ #mufc pic.twitter.com/ca5BuPT1KE
— Charlie Savage (@charliesavage84) December 8, 2021
It was an unforgettable night for Manchester United as more than 6 players were teenagers and a total of nine Academy players were playing on the pitch. The Future of United looks bright as the investment in the Academy looks to be fruitful and in time these youngsters could definitely be one of the hot topics in Europe.
While Savage and Zidane Iqbal came on together in 89th make their debuts at 18 years of age, it was also an unforgettable evening for Tom Heaton who, at 35, graced the Old Trafford turf as a United player for the first time19 years after he first joined the club as a trainee.
