Erik ten Hag is continuing to overhaul his Manchester United squad, with the Dutchman overseeing an exodus of academy products during this summer’s transfer window
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Manchester United wonderkid Charlie Savage is set to be sold to Reading after missing out on a place on the club’s tour to the United States.
Savage, the son of former Premier League star Robbie, has worked his way up through the Red Devils’ academy. He made one appearance for the senior team, a short cameo against Young Boys in the Champions League group stages in the 2021/22 season.
But he struggled for opportunities after Ten Hag’s arrival as manager last summer and was loaned out to League One strugglers Forest Green Rovers in January. Though he impressed in his 15 outings, Forest Green were relegated, with Savage returning to Old Trafford.
The writing appeared to be on the wall for the 20-year-old with regards to his future when he was not included in the squad that flew out to the USA on Sunday. Instead he stayed home, with Manchester Evening News reporting he is now set to depart permanently.
Savage will join Reading, with the decision to let him go said to be made in his best interests. The midfielder had been keen on a permanent exit, having seen his opportunities diminish.
The development of other academy talents who are already training regularly with Ten Hag’s squad, plus the arrival of Mason Mount, has pushed him further down the pecking order at United.
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Manchester United are set to sell Charlie Savage to Reading (
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It is stated that senior figures are ‘incredibly proud’ of Savage’s achievements, having worked his way up from the under-9s. He leaves with United’s best wishes, with the Premier League giants set to keep a close eye on his career.
To protect themselves, United have inserted a significant sell-on clause in the deal. They will also retain the right to match any future for Savage, in a similar move to the deals that saw Zidane Iqbal and Ethan Laird depart Old Trafford.
Savage is the latest player to leave in what has become an exodus of academy talent from United this summer. He is set to be one to watch in the third tier, having earned high praise from then Forest Green boss and Premier League legend Duncan Ferguson during his loan.
“He’s been fantastic for me. On Sunday [against Sheffield Wednesday], he covered more than 12 kilometres. He was wearing the vest that tracks his distance. That’s incredible,” Ferguson said.
“He’s 19-years old, what an engine he’s got. And he’s a good player. He’s like his dad. Enthusiastic, runs around. He was the highest-distance player on Sunday so that just shows you the character of the kid.”
With Harry Maguire having been stripped of the captaincy, Savage stepped up to wear the armband in the second-half of last week’s win over Leeds. That victory now looks to have been his last game in a United shirt.
