Manchester United loanee Charlie Savage stars as ‘false nine’ in upset win

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Manchester United youngster Charlie Savage has made good on his plan to help his loan side out over the international break.

Charlie Savage opted not to join up with the Wales under-21 squad during the break, as he felt starring for League One side Forest Green Rovers was more important.

Forest Green Rovers are battling against relegation from League One, and with injuries also mounting up for Duncan Ferguson’s side, Savage felt it was best to stay put.

His decision has paid dividends with Savage helping Forest Green Rovers to a surprise victory.

• READ: Manchester United’s next nine fixtures after the international break

Charlie Savage stars in upset win

Forest Green Rovers went into their match against Sheffield Wednesday as major underdogs.

Savage’s side sit 24th, propping up the table with only five victories this season heading into the game. Sheffield Wednesday meanwhile are in second place, on course for automatic promotion.

At the weekend, Savage helped Forest Green to a surprise 1-0 upset win.

The Manchester United youngster played 90 minutes, substituted in injury time as his side looked to run down the clock.

This was the first professional victory Savage has experienced. His previous six matches for Forest Green had consisted of one draw and five defeats, in which he had scored once.

While his side still rank bottom of the table, 11 points adrift from safety, this was a positive moment in their season and a memorable one for Savage, in the 19-year-old’s first loan spell.

Savage was played in an unusual forward role, with manager Duncan Ferguson telling Forest Green’s website: “The two false nines were fantastic.”

The United youngster’s versatility has been a trademark of his game. While he is typically a central midfielder, he has previously filled in at left-back for United’s academy sides, and his performance at the weekend showed he can be of use in an attacking role.

Savage wrote on Instagram: “Fantastic win vs Sheffield Wednesday today, enjoyed that one.”

His dad Robbie Savage praised his performance and decision to stick around to help his team’s cause.

He wrote on Twitter: “So proud of @charliesavage84 another terrific performance in a @FGRFC_Official shirt ! had a really tough decision to stay and fight in a relegation battle or go and play for his beloved wales ! made a mature decision and i could not be prouder of him as a young man.”