Savage nearly in tears after finding out son Charlie named on Man United bench

The 18-year-old midfielder, son of Robbie Savage, made his debut for the Red Devils as a late substitute.

Describing the action for BT Sport, his dad was proud as punch.

"Coming on for Manchester United - Charlie Savage for Juan Mata," he said.

"Wow, I never believed I'd say those words here at Manchester United.

"What a proud day for my boy. All the hard work.

"What a day for me, his mother, his grandparents and most importantly for that boy there, Charlie Savage.

"So proud of him, it's just an amazing moment."

Savage, who was on United's books but never made a competitive appearance, couldn't even hide his emotions after discovering that his son had made the substitutes bench.

With United already through to the last 16 as group winners, interim manager Ralf Rangnick made a raft of changes for the match.

Mason Greenwood's acrobatic effort was cancelled out by Fabian Rieder's curler, but the night was all about one of United's young boys.

"I'm starting to tear up because Charlie has achieved so much in his young life," former Leicester and Birmingham City midfielder Savage said before the game.

"He's never been top of the class but his application, his work ethic and desire has got him to where he is.

"My father, who's sadly not with us, would be looking down proud of his grandson. Even if he doesn't get on the pitch, whatever happens for the rest of his life he's been on the bench for Manchester United.

"He's done it on his own and all the coaches have played a huge part so I'm absolutely delighted.

"If he gets on to grace the Theatre of Dreams, his nana at home will be in tears now. He's a great kid and he'll do everything.

"He's a great player and has a wonderful left foot. He can run and I think he's the second fittest at the club. Take it all in because he's one very lucky boy but a boy who's worked incredibly hard."

The 19-year-old is clearly highly thought of by Man United coaches having signed a professional contract in April this year.

Jokingly, Savage could not help himself and said that he would have made subsitutions after Mason Greenwood gave United the lead.

"I'd make some changes now if I was the manager."