A sell-out 12,000 crowd is guaranteed for the first competitive meeting between the two sides, with Southend’s supporters no doubt dreaming of a shock win against the Premiership leaders, whose young side hardly covered themselves in glory at Gresty Road.

Although Alex Ferguson has already pledged to stick with his youth brigade, the Scot will be equally keen to ensure United are not the victims of the biggest giant-killing act in Southend’s history.

Richardson feels the Red Devils are capable of matching the Shrimpers’ enthusiasm and advancing into the quarter-finals for the fourth time in five seasons.

“We had a laugh about the draw because it could hardly have been any further away,” said the Greenwich-born England international.

“But we will be treating Southend very seriously and we know they will be out to make it really hard for us.

“It will be like a cup final for them, as it is for most clubs when they play Manchester United, but we have to match them and hopefully get the win.”

Richardson started on the left flank last night but, with David Jones and namesake Ritchie failing to get control in midfield during a below-par first-half display, the 21-year-old was moved inside by Ferguson at the interval.

The move worked to an extent as the flow of Crewe attacks was halted, although the hosts did get an equaliser during the second period, while Richardson wasted a superb chance to win the tie in normal time when he fired against the post after being sent clean through by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“We had a lot of chances, me in particular, but we didn’t take them,” he observed.

“It was disappointing not to get the win in 90 minutes but at least we got the win in the end, which is the most important thing.”

Ferguson left his players in little doubt he did not believe their performance was up to scratch, claiming Crewe were the better team and were unlucky not to win.

Although he felt his entire side were responsible, he fingered the lack of recent match practice for Richardson and David Jones as one of the major problems, promising the pair some reserve-team action in the coming days before being restored to senior duty at Roots Hall.

Of the five players making their senior debuts for United last night, only Stalybridge-born Lee and Michael Barnes really impressed, although defender David Gray performed well at full back before being forced off following a clash of heads with Andy Taylor.

“As one of the more experienced players in the team, you have to try and lead by example,” said Richardson, who scored against Leicester on his debut in the competition in 2002.

“But I thought the young lads did well and Kieran’s goal was a great moment for both him and his family.”