Charlie Savage sends Manchester United reminder after Crystal Palace U21s ruthless lesson

"Keep going Charlie," was the shout heard from the pockets of fans that sought shelter from the glaring sun on the terraces at Leigh Sports Village. The shout was directed at Charlie Savage, who started for Manchester United's U21s against Crystal Palace.

United welcomed Crystal Palace to a sun-soaked Leigh Sports Village on Friday night and Savage started in midfield. The 19-year-old impressed on United's first-team tour of Thailand and Australia and he captained the U21s last weekend for their opening game in the Premier League 2. Savage did not wear the armband against Palace but he very much tried to lead by example on the pitch.

There has been change in United's academy this summer with Neil Wood departing to manage Salford City. Wood helped 17 academy players make their first-team debuts at Old Trafford during his tenure and was popular among players. Mark Dempsey was appointed as his successor and that has meant a formation change for the U21s to familiarise themselves with this season.

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United played 4-3-3 with Wood in charge and they played a 4-5-1 on Friday night. Savage started in the centre of the pitch alongside FA Youth Cup heroes Kobbie Mainoo, Isak Hansen-Aarøen and Omari Forson, while Shola Shoretire lined up on the left side.

Although United had the numerical advantage in midfield, that didn't stop Palace from finding space immediately from the first whistle and it didn't take long for the London club to capitalise. Palace won a free-kick and United defended like they had sunstroke.

United failed to clear the ricocheting ball and David Omilabu scored after just five minutes, which was a warning of what was to come. The Reds