That pride is reciprocated by his father, who was emotional on co-commentary duties when Charlie came on against Young Boys.
A clip then went viral of the ex-Wales international expressing his joy after seeing his son had netted his first senior goal during his loan at Forest Green in the second half of last season.
It is a time Savage junior took a lot from, embracing life in Gloucestershire and building a bond with staff beyond the field in a season that ultimately ended in relegation from League One.
Savage says playing for a club built on sustainability has made him “more environmentally conscious” and has backed them to bounce straight back under Everton great Duncan Ferguson.
“He’s been fantastic with me,” Savage said of the Forest Green boss.
“He’s not who everyone makes him out to be in terms of the hardman persona. He’s honestly really caring.
“I’m forever grateful for him giving me a chance and sticking with me.”
Savage is now looking forward to the next step in his career for club and country.
He is taking part in a Wales training camp later this month and plans to work throughout the summer to give himself the best chance of impressing back at United.
“I think it’s tough to say at the minute,” he said of his ambitions for the 2023-24 campaign.
“Obviously it’s everyone’s dream to make it at United when you’ve come through here as a boy, so I have to work as hard as I can and see where it takes me.”
United technical director Darren Fletcher kept in frequent contact during his time at Forest Green, as did loan managers Les Parry and Danny Keough.
Young midfielder Charlie Savage has put pen to paper on a contract extension with the Reds — congratulations, Charlie! |
— Manchester United (@ManUtd)
Savage said that hands-on approach “sticks with you”, so too the chance to work so frequently with United boss Erik ten Hag after he arrived last summer.
“I went on the tour in pre-season to Thailand and Australia,” said the midfielder, who came on at half-time in the 4-0 win against Liverpool in Bangkok before getting further minutes Down Under.
“I spent the first two, three months of the season with them every day, so it was a really, really good experience learning from him and taking knowledge from him.
“I think United have had a really good season, winning the Carabao Cup and potentially winning an FA Cup, so I’d say he’s done a really good job.”
