Manchester United academy graduate Charlie Savage makes debut for Reading after registration scare

Charlie Savage has made his competitive debut for new club Reading following fears the midfielder would not be registered due to restrictions placed on the Royals.

The club were deducted points and handed a transfer embargo during last season’s Championship relegation due to financial irregularities. The transfer ban was eventually lifted, allowing them to sign Savage on a four-year deal.

However, the transfer ban soon returned due to a late payment to HMRC, prompting the EFL to refuse the registration of both Savage and fellow arrival Lewis Wing. Fortunately, the unpaid bill was settled ahead of Saturday’s League One opener against Peterborough United.

It meant Savage was able to make his first appearance and start for The Royals at the weekend, much to the delight of dad and former United academy product Robbie Savage. Upon the news of his son’s registration, he tweeted: "Can't wait to watch @charliesavage84 on Saturday, come on @ReadingFC."

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Savage made one senior appearance for United prior to his exit. He was granted his debut in a dead-rubber Champions League group stage match against Young Boys in December 2021, coming on alongside academy star Zidane Iqbal, who has since left for FC Utrecht.

Savage spent the second half of last season at Forest Green Rovers, clocking up 15 appearances as they were relegated from League One. He netted his first senior goal at the Gloucestershire club in March, firing home against Bristol Rovers.

If Savage is sold on by Reading, United will receive a big sell-on fee but attain the right to match any bid beforehand.

The transfer window is in full swing and United have already got their hands on two players, with Mason Mount