Man Utd transfer now in doubt after manager sacked

Forest Green Rovers have sacked manager Ian Burchnall, leaving the proposed signing of Manchester United midfielder Charlie Savage in doubt.

Forest Green have found it difficult to adjust to life in League One following their promotion last season, and sit rock bottom of the table after picking up just five wins in 28 matches.

However, news of Burchnall's departure has plunged the move into doubt.

Savage's loan move in doubt

Savage, 19, was identified as a player who could help change fortunes at the New Lawn Stadium, having made 13 appearances for the Red Devils' U21 side this season.

But the switch could now be delayed or even cancelled. However, there are likely to be plenty of clubs waiting to pounce should the loan deal fall through.

The U21 Wales international went on to feature in both Manchester United's mid-season friendlies against Real Betis and Cadiz.

However, he hasn't played for the first team since, with the club hoping he can get some valuable first-team experience on loan.

Forest Green in deep water

Forest Green's 1-0 defeat to Bolton on Tuesday proved to be Burchnall's last game in charge, leaving the club four points adrift of safety.

Burchnall succeeded Graham Potter as manager of Swedish club Ostersunds and achieved a win ratio of over 50 per cent with National League side Notts County before departing last summer - but it hasn't been the easiest road in Gloucestershire.

Club chairman Dale Vince released a statement which read: "I’m grateful to Ian for all his hard work this season, it’s definitely not been easy.

"Our first season in League One was always going to be a challenge in itself but it’s been made more difficult by a number of factors, with their roots in last summer.

"I believe in Ian as a coach, but circumstances have led us to this place, we’ve recruited strongly in the January window, player wise - now we need to recruit a new head coach - to give ourselves the best chance or staying in this league."