Charlie Savage took to social media to thank boss Ralf Rangnick and all those who supported him along the way after the midfielder made his Manchester United first-team debut.
The 18-year-old came off the bench two minutes before the end of normal time to replace Juan Mata in front of a crowd of more than 73,000.
United drew 1-1 with Swiss champions Young Boys in the final group stage game of the Champions League, which was enough to confirm them as group winners.
The son of former United and Leicester midfielder Robbie Savage later uploaded a post on Instagram to commemorate the historic moment.
The post reads: “Delighted to have made my first team debut for @manchesterunited in the champions league. I would like to thank all the academy staff for their support over the last 14 years and the manager for putting his trust in me tonight, also congratulations to @z10ane on his debut,” accompanied by a football emoji, a heart emoji, and #mufc.
Charlie’s debut was an emotional moment for his father, who was given the chance to introduce his own son from the commentary box by BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher.
"It's quite appropriate at this time I step aside and allow you to bring your son on for his first-team debut for Manchester United," said Fletcher.
Savage then said: "Coming on for Manchester United is Charlie Savage for Juan Mata. Wow. I never believed I would say those words.
"What a proud day for my boy. All the hard work. What a day for me, his mother, his nana, his grandparents and most importantly for Charlie Savage.
"I'm so proud of him, Darren. It's an amazing moment for him.”
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Like his father, Charlie is a central midfielder by trade, and the youngster signed his first professional deal with The Red Devils in April.
During his short time on the pitch, Charlie touched the ball on five occasions and was able to make three passes to team-mates.
Ahead of kick-off, Savage senior shared his thoughts after learning that his son had been named amongst the substitutes by Rangnick.
"I'm starting to tear up,” Savage told BT Sport.
"Charlie Savage has achieved so much in his young life. He has done it on his own with his work ethic - I've not opened any doors for him.
"My father, who is sadly not with us, took me all around the country and he would be proud looking down on his grandson.
"His nana watching from home will be in tears."
Mason Greenwood opened the scoring for Rangnick’s side in the ninth minute when the forward got himself on the end of a Luke Shaw cross.
However, United were pegged back when Fabian Rieder’s fantastic curling effort, shortly before the half-time interval, left Dean Henderson with no chance.
United will now sit patiently and wait to find out who their last-16 opponents will be when the Champions League draw takes place in Nyon on Monday.
