And he added that Gray’s stance could rebound on the United caretaker boss if Leeds hit an injury crisis.
Savage, writing in the latest edition of Four Four Two magazine, said: "I feel very sorry indeed for David Batty who has been told by Eddie Gray that his Leeds career is over because he intends to play a 4-4-2 system from now on.
"It seems to me that Eddie has cut off his nose to spite his face because what will he do if he gets a few injuries?
"There may be more behind this decision than he’s let on. I don’t know but, next to Stuart Pearce, Batts is the toughest opponent I have faced.
"Batts was, and is, as tough as old boots and the 50-50 challenges we have shared over the years will be an abiding memory.
"I really hope this isn’t the last we see of him because he is a fantastic competitor and a bloke many admire. He will be hurting at the moment."