Academy

Charlie Cresswell: We need to have no regrets

Leeds United defender on tonight's FA Youth Cup clash against Manchester United

Charlie Cresswell Banner.png

With over 1,400 tickets snapped up in 25 minutes, a trip to Old Trafford awaits Leeds United fans, as Mark Jackson's U18s side take on Manchester United in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup.

Leading the charge on the pitch, captain Charlie Cresswell has helped the Whites navigate wins against fellow Yorkshire sides Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday in the previous rounds, to set up the tie with the Reds.

The defender who has also made the transition to the U23s this season, scored two goals in the Third Round, before stepping up and putting away his attempt in the penalty shootout at Tadcaster.

"I've loved the cup run so far. It started off strange against Hull when they scored in the first minute of the game, but we settled our nerves, and have really pushed on from that game by defeating them and Wednesday.

"It was a good feeling to get on the scoresheet and against our Yorkshire rivals,  especially on a big stage like the FA Youth Cup. Hopefully I can do it again at Old Trafford." said Cresswell.

The first Leeds United team to play at Old Trafford since Jermaine Beckford scored THAT goal in the FA Cup clash, Cresswell is determined that the U18s side won't be overawed by the occasion.

"We've had a few laughs about the history between the two clubs, but at the end of the day, it's just a game, and hopefully we'll come out on top."

"You've obviously got to respect a big club such as Manchester United, but not overly respect them. We're not going to pushed over so easily, we're going to battle until the end."

"It's unbelievable to be playing at Old Trafford, but it's just another game. It's in a tournament, so we've got to try and get to the end of it, keep pushing on regardless of where it is."

As captain, what will be his message to the lads?

"Just give everything. At the end of the game, we can't come off the pitch wishing that we'd given more, thinking could have, should have, would have. We need to have no regrets."

Having been with the Academy since joining the U11s, Cresswell is more than aware of the fantastic support that will be joining them on the night.

"People close to me, all my family, my friends, and my grandad's side are massive Leeds fans, and they just can't believe that I play for the club."

"It should be a good one for the lads, there's a lot of fans coming down, supporting us, and we're going to give our all on the pitch."

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