Charlie Savage’s first senior goal came 11 years to the day of his grandfather’s death when the midfielder netted for loan club Forest Green Rovers on March 11.
The Manchester United academy star smashed home the opener in the club’s 3-1 League One loss to Bristol Rovers after securing his move in January. Dad Robbie let out an elated celebration live on BT Sport Score when he learned that his son had scored.
The moment was made extra special for the family amid the anniversary of his grandfather’s passing, Robbie explaining how he used to travel all over to see his grandson play. Speaking to United club media, the former Reds youth player said: "The goal was a moment he’ll never forget.
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"Our family won’t. It was extra special because it was the anniversary of his Taid’s [Welsh for grandfather] death 11 years ago to the day. So that moment was not just for him but for his nan.
"My father would have been watching him all over the country like he did with me. So it was a special day and for him to score on that moment was extra special."
Robbie explained how Charlie - who made his senior United debut in December 2021 - had faced adversity on his journey through the academy, having to bat off claims that he was only in the system because of the career of his dad.
His father explained: "Charlie was never top of the group all the way through, and he had to fight against things like people saying he’s only there because of me and all the stuff he’s had thrown at him because I’m his dad.
"That moment - when some teams are reluctant to take a first loan - for Charlie to go there and get in the team, then stay in the team and then to score his first goal... it just goes to show to any youngster that if you work hard and keep believing then you’ll have a chance."
Speaking about the goal himself, Robbie added: "I thought it was a great finish, I thought it was great desire because where Charlie started the move from, to end up on the edge of the box there and get it on his left foot.
"That emotion of all that hard work, all the years me and his mother taking him to Carrington, to the Cliff, the Littleton Road, when he gets that first senior goal it was there for all to see.
"I’m so proud of him, to put that away the way he did - but it was the desire to get there on the edge of the box so it’s a great finish from the kid."
Forest Green finished bottom of League One and so will be playing in the fourth tier next season. Charlie Savage was nevertheless thankful of his time under Duncan Ferguson, taking to social media on Sunday to thank the club.
He said: "My time on loan at Forest Green Rovers comes to an end today. I would like to thank Duncan Ferguson especially, and all the staff for helping me so much. I would also like to thank the fans for their amazing support."
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