Young players were given an opportunity by Erik ten Hag as Man Utd overcame Liverpool FC in the first game of the preseason.
Charlie Savage performed well versus Liverpool.
Soon after Erik ten Hag was named manager, Manchester United supporters began to see a successful future for their team.
His move to Old Trafford was accompanied by a feeling of mystery and mystique, with his earlier achievements at Ajax being overshadowed by the fact that, despite his impressive record in the Champions League, he was unproven outside of Dutch sport.
But barely over 30 minutes into his first game as manager, a third goal was expertly chipped into the Liverpool net, convincing any skeptics of his credentials.
Considering that United fielded their strongest team against a much different Liverpool team, and given that the final score didn't really reflect how many chances Jurgen Klopp's team missed and created, there is, of course, plenty of room for mitigation in the 4-0 scoreline.
But United's play wasn't the only thing that suggested a promising future; Ten Hag also gave some of the club's most promising academy prospects crucial playing time.
Charlie Savage was one of them. He entered the game at halftime as part of a complete change to the outfield squad on the field, and he blended in perfectly.
The 19-year-old was partnered with fellow academy standout Zidane Iqbal, and the pair held their own against a Liverpool team that brought in heavy hitters Thiago, Naby Keita, and Fabinho in an effort to get back into the game.
Over the past year, Savage has quietly gone about his business at the young level, developing a reputation as his own unique talent rather than being recognized as the son of a well-known father.
Last season, Charlie Savage and Cristiano Ronaldo shared a training session.
The Welsh youth international has won praise for his no-nonsense style throughout the age groups. He acts as a midfield metronome while keeping the game moving along and methodically chooses the most prudent pass rather than taking unnecessary risks.
Despite his propensity to favor safe plays, Savage still has a strong eye for long passes and is capable of blasting apart defenses with his perfectly weighted cross-field passes when the situation calls for it.
Roy Keane would have loved to play alongside Charlie Savage, Ben Thornley noted during the game's MUTV analysis, expressing his admiration for the poise on display.
Roy might not have been pleased to witness the audacious Maradona turn on the edge of the United box to pick up possession and take the ball away from Mohamed Salah because of this no-nonsense style, but that's what happened.
His father, Robbie, joked that he must have learned the trick from someone else while sharing the video with the world, alluding to his contrasting playing style. The clip quickly gained worldwide attention.
And that's what makes Savage Junior so impressive. Young Charlie doesn't exploit the fact that he has a well-known surname as a justification for preferential treatment; instead, he works harder than most of his colleagues to make sure he is evaluated on his own abilities rather than prestige.
The teenager gained notoriety when he made his United debut against Young Boys in December of last year. In May, he signed a new contract that would keep him with the club through 2025, with an additional year's option.
His performance in the EFL Trophy and Youth League last season, as well as the experience he earned in other tournaments, have been crucial to his growth.
(Photo: Sports Photo Agency 2022)
After beating Bradford City at Valley Parade last season, Savage told MEN Sport, "It is a wonderful experience and it prepares us for when we perhaps go on loan." It is fantastic since it is an exact representation of what we will encounter.
Savage is still far from the level needed to play for United every week, even if he does well on the preseason tour, but at his core, he is a technically gifted player with all the necessary raw skills to succeed one day.
In order for him to get his start in professional football over the course of the upcoming season, a loan move might be necessary. James Garner, a fellow academy graduate, is the perfect mentor for his midfield understudy.
Fans have good right to be happy by his performance against Liverpool, but the hard work has just begun.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0