Charlie Savage, son of former Derby County and Wales captain Robbie Savage, made his Manchester United debut in the Champions League group stage match against Young Boys on 19 December 2021. The 18-year-old midfielder replaced Juan Mata in the dying moments of the game, which had already secured United's qualification to the last 16.
Robbie Savage, who was on commentary duty for BT Sport at Old Trafford, expressed his pride during the broadcast. 'Coming on for Manchester United, Charlie Savage for Juan Mata. Wow. I never believed I'd ever say those words here at Manchester United,' he said. 'What a proud day for my boy.'
Charlie Savage signed his first professional contract with United in April 2021 after coming through the club's academy. He plays in the same central midfield position as his father, who also began his career at United but never made a senior appearance before joining Crewe Alexandra in 1994.
The debut places Charlie among other footballing sons aiming to emulate their fathers, such as Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and Daniel Maldini, who have followed in their famous fathers' footsteps at top clubs.
