I cried when Man United released me but I KO’d Cristiano Ronaldo’s FA Cup dream and now I’m facing Lionel Messi

Matt Crooks grew up watching the world’s best footballers from the sidelines – but now he’ll share the pitch with the greatest ever.

Crooks will make his MLS debut against Inter Miami and he’ll be looking to put Lionel Messi to the sword in the same way he did Cristiano Ronaldo.

The versatile midfielder sealed a move to Real Salt Lake from Championship high-flyers Middlesbrough earlier this month.

The 30-year-old was a firm fan favourite during his near three-year stay on Teesside – with the highlight being a famous FA Cup goal against Manchester United.

The Leeds-born ace grew up as a boyhood Red Devils fan and was even part of the club’s academy as a youngster.

“We’ve had seats at Old Trafford in the family for over 40 years,” he said, speaking to Teesside Live in 2022.

“I’ve been going to matches since I was little, for as long as I can remember. It was with my Grandad at first, then my dad, and other members of the family as well.”

Crooks added: “I was released when I was 14. It definitely fuelled me when I was younger.

“I remember when they told me I was crying my eyes out. I knew it was coming and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I remember it well that day.”

Following his Man United release in 2009, Crooks made the grade at Huddersfield Town before a chance FA Cup encounter with his old team arose while at Middlesbrough over a decade later.

5

5

In the build-up to Boro’s fourth-round clash with Ronaldo and co., Crooks was just hoping he didn’t get overwhelmed by Old Trafford.

He said: “It will be surreal. Growing up as a United fan [Cristiano] Ronaldo was one of my favourite players. So to have the chance to go up against him will be the biggest, ‘what’s going on here?’ moment.”

Crooks got his wish as Ralf Rangnick named Ronaldo in his starting XI that night, but an even bigger desire came to fruition at the Theatre of Dreams.

Ronaldo missed a penalty before Crooks bagged a dramatic equaliser to cancel out Jadon Sancho’s goal to send the tie to a shootout – which Boro went on to win 8-7.

5

It proved to be one of the last opportunities Ronaldo had to win silverware during his second spell at United, sealing an acrimonious exit to Saudi Arabia nine months later.

Another of Ronaldo’s opportunities were in America, which is the route his rival Messi and now FA Cup foe Crooks has taken.

5

Following his arrival, the latter name-checked Messi, saying: “MLS is getting a bigger name and a better reputation.

“Obviously with the likes of Messi and what have you coming over, that’s really enhanced the sport over here. I’m just looking forward to it.”

A chance for Crooks to spoil Messi’s MLS season opener is one you wouldn’t bet against – just ask Ronaldo…