Jon Boon
THE apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.
Like his famous dad19-year-old Charlie Savage is making waves in the world of football – and playing in Manchester United.
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SunSport exclusively revealed this week that Charlie is now ready to join Forest Green Rovers from League One on loan to continue its development.
He made one appearance for United’s first team, a one-minute appearance from the bench in a Champions League game against Young Boys in December 2021.
The teenager was called up to the first team by the former caretaker boss Ralf Rannick.
He was also on the bench against Crystal Palace on the final day of the Premier League’s final season.
Charlie has signed a new contract with United last May, which runs until the summer of 2025.
He was part of the first-team pre-season tour of Asia and Australia after surprising Erik ten Hagand took part in the mid-season friendlies during the World Cup.
Famous, his father, expert of BT Sport wild robbiewas a member of the Class of ’92 team with Ryan Giggs, David Beckhamand Paul Scholes.
Savage Sr, 46, also earned 39 caps for Wales – playing for clubs including Leicester City, Birmingham City and Derby County during his career.
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And Charlie even shares his old man’s position – playing central midfield, where he likes to break up play.
LOVE A TACKLE
Ex-pro Robbie was famous for his tough tackling style and energy on the pitch.
What he lacked in skill he made up for in high-energy displays.
Likewise, Charlie is a box-to-box midfielder who loves tackling and isn’t afraid to get stuck in.
However, he has a bit more to his game in terms of creative spark and is a good ball passer.
In 13 appearances for United’s U21s in Premier League 2 this season, Charlie has scored one goal.
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In November 2020 Charlie scored for the U18s in a 4-1 win over Newcastle which was celebrated by Robbie on Twitter.
He wrote: ‘Proud of my boy, keep going, keep working hard, keep listening to his coaches, he’s starting to get his rewards,’ he captioned a video of the Charlie Strike.
He added amusingly: “Better finisher than his father.”
KING KONG
In 2018, Savage was part of a United first-year college team that traveled to Hong Kong for a tournament.
The Red Devils participated in the Jockey Club Youth Football Academy summit and managed to win it.
Charlie impressed in the competition against home teams and started every game.
United beat HK Academy 6-1, beat HK All-Stars in the semi-finals and then defeated Guandong Under-17s 3-0 in the final.
BORN IN LEICESTER, WELSH FUTURE
Charlie was born in Leicester in 2003, a year after Robbie left the Foxes to play in Birmingham.
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But, proud of his father’s roots, he is looking to follow in his footsteps and play for the Wales national team.
In September 2019, he made his debut for their U17 side.
Charlie was then called up to the U18 squad and made an appearance with the age group.
He also played five times for Wales U19s, scoring one goal.