Robbie Savage has warned son Charlie Savage that he will have to earn the right to play consistently after the youngster joined Forest Green Rovers on loan from Manchester United for the rest of the season.
The Reds midfielder will play under Everton hero Duncan Ferguson after he was appointed manager of the League One strugglers earlier this week. Forest Green are currently bottom of the third tier, but have made a number of new additions in recent days.
Savage, who made his United debut in a Champions League group stage match against BSC Young Boys, is under contract until 2025 at Old Trafford. The club were keen for the 19-year-old to move out on loan in order to get some much-needed first-team experience.
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The youngster has not yet featured in a competitive matchday squad under Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman took charge of the club in the summer, but he has played consistently in Premier League 2. His father, Robbie, was on commentary duty for his United debut, and the former footballer has insisted that joining Forest Green is a massive opportunity for Charlie.
"Like any parent, waving my son Charlie off on his half-season loan to Forest Green Rovers was a proud moment," Savage wrote in his Mirror column. "What an opportunity for him to step up from under-21 level and compete for three points every week with players whose mortgages and livelihoods depend on winning football matches.
"It’s a chance for a 19-year-old to show he can handle the pressure, how brave he is on the ball and coping with the hostility he might face at times.
He added: "Instead of age-group football, where the real purpose is to prepare lads for the first team, he will be involved in games which determine the mood of fans, managers, coaches and players every weekend. It’s real football where the results will affect people’s lives.
"Charlie knows he has no God-given right to walk into somebody else’s club and expect special treatment. He will have to earn his place."
Savage could potentially make his debut for Forest Green in their League One clash with Shrewsbury Town on Saturday afternoon.
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