Charlie Savage: Robbie Savage watches son make his Man Utd debut



Six teenagers from Manchester United played against Young Boys.

Few dads are able to watch their son make his first-team debut for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Imagine commenting on your son's first appearance.

That was a highly unlikely yet magical scenario that unfolded for former Wales playerRobbie Savage at Old United on Wednesday.

In his capacity as a co-commentator forBT Sport, former Manchester United player and captain Stephen Savage worked on the team's draw with Young Boys in the group stage of the European Championship.

In the 89th minute, Charlie came on for Juan Mata, and the crowd of 73,156 roared.

The viewers got to hear how it felt, because the commentator left the stage clear.

"It's quite appropriate at this time that I step aside and allow you to bring your son on for his first-team debut for Manchester United," said Fletcher.

Charlie Savage will be joining Manchester United for Juan Mata. Wow. I didn't think I would say those words.

My boy is proud of me. The work was hard. It was a great day for me, his mother, his nana, his grandparents and Charlie.

I'm so proud of him. It's an amazing moment for him.

Charlie signed his first professional contract with United in April.

A member of the famous FA Youth Cup-winning side in 1992, the senior Savage began his career at United.

Charlie touched the ball five times in his short time on the pitch.

His nana will be in tears as she watches from home.

After learning his son had been named a substitute, the father said he was starting to tear up.

Charlie has accomplished a lot in his young life. He has done it on his own and I have not opened any doors for him.

My father, who is sadly not with us, took me all around the country and he would be proud of looking down on his grandson.

His nana will be in tears as she watches from home.

He's a great kid. He will do everything. He's a good player, he's got a great left foot, he can pass the ball in between the lines, and he can run.

He's the second fittest at the football club. I'm his dad and the guys give him a bit of stick, but it's not about me.

"He's one very lucky boy but a lucky boy who's worked extremely hard and got to where he's got to with pure dedication, taking the right pathways, application and desire."

It was an unforgettable evening for Tom Heaton who, at 35, graced the Old United turf as a United player for the first time - 19 years after he first joined the club as a trainee.

After leaving United to join Cardiff in 2010, Tom Heaton returned to the club on a free transfer in the summer and said he "loved every minute" of his debut.

It felt great. It was always going to be a great feeling playing in front of a capacity crowd at Old Trafford, according to Heaton.

I've always enjoyed coming here, but my first competitive debut was a brilliant moment. I loved every second of it.

Juan Mata was replaced by Savage in the 89th minute.

Tom Heaton made his United debut at the age of 35, 19 years after he first joined the club as a trainee.