Charlie Savage says he is glad to have stepped out of his comfort zone at Manchester United and is glad he did not stay too long.
Reading clinched the signing of Manchester United prospect Charlie Savage at the end of last week, with the young midfielder ending a long association with the Red Devils.
Savage has explained in a new interview with Reading’s official website that he felt the time was right for him to leave and go and play regular football.
He said: “I had a couple of years left on my contract at United, but I didn’t want to get too comfortable. I wanted to come out here and test myself.”
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Charlie Savage wants to prove himself
Former Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick handed Charlie Savage his debut at the end of 2021.
Savage then impressed under Erik ten Hag last pre-season, but this did not carry over into first team opportunities.
He went out on loan to League One strugglers Forest Green Rovers, getting a tricky induction into competitive football, which he is keen to build on.
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He said: “I really enjoyed the challenge of League One last season, we found it tough at times, but I played pretty much every game for Forest Green and Duncan Ferguson helped me a lot.
“I got more than 1,000 minutes under my belt after joining in January which was invaluable experience for me.”
Reading felt right for Savage
Savage explained that he recognises Reading’s track record of developing young talent, with Michael Olise earning a big move to Crystal Palace in 2021.
He added: “As soon as it came up, I was begging United to let me speak to Reading and get it done.”
The 20-year-old midfielder regarded a permanent move being preferable to a loan, and was pleased to end on a high by captaining Manchester United in the second half of the win over Leeds in pre-season.
Describing it as an ‘amazing moment’, he said: “It was a great ending to a fairytale story for me I think – it made leaving that little bit easier.”
Savage’s pal Zidane Iqbal had earlier left the club, leaving United to sign with Dutch side FC Utrecht.