Manchester United are known for churning out some of the best players in the Premier League from their academy setup, and Charlie Savage will be hoping to become one of the next ones on that list after making his competitive debut for the Red Devils this season.
Not much was known about the 18-year-old when he came on as an 89th-minute substitute in Man Utd’s UEFA Champions League Group Stage match against Young Boys at Old Trafford in December, but spectators may have been looking at the club’s next best talent.
Here is all you need to know about the son of former professional Robbie Savage, including what position he plays, his career so far and what’s been said about him.
Who is Charlie Savage?
Charlie Savage was born in May 2003 and is a Welsh professional footballer who plays for Man Utd as a midfielder, but is currently best known for being the son of former Red Devils youth product and Leicester City, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Derby County midfielder, Robbie Savage.
The 18-year-old was born in Leicester but his education included attending Manchester Grammar School, before he joined the youth ranks at the 13-time Premier League champions just like his father. After rising through the youth teams and academy, he signed his first professional contract with the club in April 2021.
At 6ft tall, Savage primarily operates as a defensive midfielder but can operate in a more central midfield role. He is comfortable in both a defensive and attacking position when in possession of the ball, and is also left-footed.
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Career so far
Savage broke into Man Utd’s under 18s in the 2019/20 season and became an integral part of their side last campaign with three goals and seven assists in 23 appearances. His performances rewarded him with his first professional contract in April last year, while he is now a part of their under 23s team as of this term.
In 2021-22, he has recorded two goals and one assist in 27 appearances for the U23s, while he received his first call up to the first-team squad for their Champions League tie with Young Boys in December, coming on in the final few minutes to make his professional debut in the 1-1 draw. For this game, his dad was co-commenting on the match for BT Sport.
When it comes to internationals, Savage has chosen to represent Wales and has already featured for their U17 and U18 sides, and is a current member of the U19 set-up. In August 2021, he scored his first goal for the U19s in a 3-2 friendly defeat to Austria after being called up for the first time.
What's been said about him?
Although they share a similarly long hair style, Savage has denied any likeness in play between himself and his father, despite the similarities. The 18-year-old believes that he and his dad are different players, and that he is more of a ball player whereas Robbie was more tenacious.
But his father has been full of praise for his protegee and on BT Sport’s coverage of Man Utd’s match against Young Boys in December, he said: “He’s a great player and has a wonderful left foot. He can run and I think he’s the second fittest at the club. Take it all in because he’s one very lucky boy but a boy who’s worked incredibly hard.”
Following a game against England U18 in March 2021, Wales U21 manager Rob Edwards said: “I’ve got to say Charlie has a great attitude. His presence in our camp is very professional. We set the standards of an elite environment and Charlie has come in and been a great character. He played very well against England. The players wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think they had potential.”
