Under-18s coach Jason Blunt insists his side have "nothing to fear" as they prepare for Tuesday night’s FA Youth Cup tie with Chelsea at Elland Road.

Chelsea are the competition’s current holders and have lifted the trophy three times in the last five years, but United will be backed by a strong home crowd as old rivalries are re-ignited at youth level.

"I think it’s a good draw for us," said Blunt. "Sometimes it can be a tougher one if you’re playing a lower league club.

"The kids know this is their cup final – we can do no wrong really. We know about their squad so the kids have got nothing to fear.

"If we go out and relax, I think we’ll do well."

Chelsea currently sit top of the U18s Southern Premier League table, while United’s youngsters have struggled for form so far this season.

But Blunt, a United Academy product himself, believes his players will have greater opportunities for chances in the first-team after numerous success stories in recent years.

"On paper it will be a tough game for us. But the priority is getting kids in the first team and we’re in front of them really," he said.

"Whichever way you look at it, we’re the winners. If we do well on Tuesday, that’s a bonus.

"The lads were a bit apprehensive but we watched them the other day against Arsenal. They do make mistakes, they do kick it out of play. They’re not world beaters.

"Yes, they do sign the best players in the world but our lads will probably make more of a career out of it than theirs. That’s the way we look at it. The priority is getting them into the first team."

Blunt is also urging supporters to come down to Elland Road and cheer on the youngsters, with tickets available at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions.

"I think it’s important that they do come down and support the youth," he said. "I think for the past 10 or 15 years, that’s what has kept the club going.

"Even now it is. That’s been the highlight this year – the kids getting in. There’s Mowatt, Cook, Byram, Charlier Taylor. There’s loads of them in there.

"It’s important that they get down and see the kids that are coming through.

"It will be a game, the lads will make it a game. They won’t get any respect. The lads are really looking forward to it."

Tickets for the cup tie are on sale now and can be bought online by  clicking here , in person in the Elland Road Superstore or by calling the Ticket Office on 0871 334 1992.

The game will also be shown live on LUTV – click here for details on how to watch it from 6.45pm, with kick-off at 7.05pm.