AN ASPIRING Manchester United star whose career was ended by a horrendous tackle, was described in the High Court as "A-class" by Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Reds manager said that 23-year-old Ben Collett, who was just 18 when his promising playing career was abruptly brought to a halt, had the attitude, character and skills of greats including Roy Keane and Bryan Robson.

"They all had that extra thing that drove them to be the best" he said. "It's always hard to say what a player might go on to become. We try to invest in potential, and when we see it we bank on it.

"Nowhere is competition more intense among young players than at Manchester United, and nowhere are expectations so high."

Sir Alex went on: "He had the desire to be a top player. He didn't lack technical ability or stamina. It's difficult to say where he was going, but I had absolutely no doubts about his commitment. He was an A-class player - magnificent."

The United boss then told the hearing at Manchester's Civil Justice Centre how he had been "saddened" to see the brilliant youngster bravely struggling to get back to match fitness - a task that tragically proved impossible.

"Obsessed"

He said: "He was obsessed. He even came into the gym at night to work out, but in the end it was a fruitless task. He is an example to a lot of young players who are injured. He was absolutely exemplary."

Collett, from Heaton, Bolton, had graduated through Manchester United's famous youth training academy from the age of nine, and when he was 16 was offered an apprenticeship and professional terms.

In 2003 - the year his career was effectively ended - he had already been a key member of United's FA Youth Cup winning side, and had been given the ultimate youth player accolade of the Jimmy Murphy Award for player of the year.

Ironically, it was his first full match with United reserve team against Middlesbrough in May 2003 when he had his right leg broken in two places after a tackle by Gary Smith.

Both Smith and the club have already admitted liability through their insurers, and the High Court case is to settle damages, which could end up being the UK's largest sports injury damages payout to date.

"Fantastic focus"

Sir Alex, giving evidence on the second day of the hearing told the court: "I thought the boy showed fantastic focus, a great attitude to work hard, and they are qualities to give any player an outstanding chance in the game."

He added that an added value to Collett's worth - not just to Manchester United but any club - was the fact that he was a left-footed player. "It's very difficult to get a natural left-footed player even in the national game," he said.

He admitted that United might well have ended up putting Collett on loan, had he not suffered the devastating injury, but asked under cross examination whether that might be considered the end of the road, he joked: "I think David Beckham thought that at the time he was put on loan to Preston North End. He had to convince his family that it was to enable him to get experience and maturity.

"From our point of view, we may see a further improvement in a player at good competitive level when they couldn't be guaranteed a regular place with Manchester United."

He told the hearing Collett, who is now set to go to Leeds University to read English, with the aim of pursuing an academic career, had given an "astounding" performance in both games of the FA Youth Cup final, which helped earn him the Jimmy Murphy Award Trophy. "You could see the potential and you could only hope it could be fulfilled" he said.

Former professional player and club manager Howard Wilkinson, who gave evidence at the hearing, said Collett had to have been potential top class material to have remained at Old Trafford for so long.

"Competitive"

"Manchester United, if not the most competitive, is certainly one of the most competitive environments in which a young player can be placed.

"To some extent, survival in itself is some achievement. Alex Ferguson IS Manchester United. It's an institution, and he's been largely responsible for reinventing that institution. He has never shirked a difficult decision, and decision making for him is not a popularity contest."

Earlier the hearing had been told that had Collett continued to play for Manchester United, he could easily have earned more than £13,000 per week as a first-team player, and if his career had continued until retirement from the game at 35, he could have earned more than £16m in total, in salary and bonuses.

The court was told that the tackle which ended his playing career, could also have cost him a potential good living in soccer coaching and management.

Former United captain Brian McClair who coached the player for a year, said: "He was an intelligent, capable young man who was a student of the game.

"I think he would have continued in the sport after his playing career had ended. A lot of players go on into coaching and management which can earn them a very comfortable living for another 20 to 30 years."

(Proceeding)