Mark Hughes issues Robbie Savage verdict after ex-Man Utd men face-off

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Welsh legends Mark Hughes and Robbie Savage went head-to-head in the dugout during Saturday's National League showdown. Hughes, currently at the helm of Carlisle United, welcomed Forest Green Rovers to Brunton Park, where Savage has been making waves this campaign.

Beyond the action on the pitch, it was Savage's animated touchline theatrics that provided plenty of entertainment throughout the encounter. But it was ex-Manchester United striker Hughes who emerged victorious, seeing off his compatriot 4-2 courtesy of late strikes from Harvey MacAdam and Georgie Kelly.

The pair previously shared dressing rooms for both Wales and United during their playing days.In terms of non-league clashes, this represented a meeting of footballing royalty given their impressive playing careers.

Hughes graced the pitches at United, Barcelona and Chelsea during his time as a player, whilst Savage featured for United, Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers and several other clubs.

Reflecting on Savage's animated behaviour from the technical area following his victory, Hughes commented: "I know him probably better than a lot of my staff who were a little bit goaded by him on occasions.

"I know what he's like and, for the most part, I just ignored him. Sometimes he's got to be a little bit careful with what he says – he's sometimes a little bit disrespectful to people who have been in the game a long time, so that was the only thing that I reacted to."

The victory for Hughes and the Cumbrians propelled them into second spot and opened up a three-point gap over Savage's side. Rochdale currently occupy pole position, sitting two points ahead of Carlisle, though Rochdale have two games in hand.

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Forest Green have slipped to fifth, with Savage managing eight victories from 15 matches.

Reflecting on the display and campaign thus far, Hughes remarked: "We're in good shape. We're going to be in the mix. I think everybody realises that we won't play well every game. We haven't played well in every game, but sometimes we've found a way.

"Initially, I think people thought maybe [Forest Green] would be able to take the game from us. I didn't think so, because we know that they expend a lot of energy, but then you've got to change at the right times and affect the game and keep that energy high. I don't think they did that and that's where we capitalised."

Ahead of the clash, Savage had discussed his rivalry with Hughes. "To be fair, Mark's probably the one manager in this league to who I can't say: 'Did you play in the Premier League 350 times?'" joked Savage. "I can't do that to 'Sparky' [Hughes]."

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It proved a fascinating battle between pupil and mentor, with Savage having played under Hughes at Blackburn Rovers from 2005 to 2008 during their Premier League era.

He was also guided by Hughes whilst representing Wales from 1999 to 2004. Hughes, speaking ahead of the match, lauded his former teammate and player: "Sav was great to work with as a player, he just had that high energy and his teams are very much indicative of how he played.

"Sometimes people misinterpret how he is as a personality. He sometimes does things and says things for effect, certainly in his role as a radio presenter and pundit, but first and foremost he's a very enthusiastic football person."