Collett handed huge pay-out

Collett gets more than £4million in compensation

Last updated: 11th August 2008

Collett handed huge pay-out

Collett: Handed compensation

Related links

Teams

Also see

Former Manchester United starlet Ben Collett has been awarded over £4million in compensation after a tackle ended his career.

The High Court in London awarded the 23-year-old the sum which took into account his possible future earnings.

Collett suffered a broken leg as an 18-year-old during a reserve match with Middlesbrough in May 2003 after a tackle from Boro's Gary Smith.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson gave evidence in the case confirming he could have made it at the top level in the sport.

"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 said.

Collett would have been offered a professional contract in July 2003 after starring in United's youth side and the court heard the player's career earnings could have exceeded £16million at an average of £13,000 if he had played until he was 35.

Mrs Justice Swift confirmed the eventual figure could be more than £4.5million - which will be paid by Middlesbrough's insurers.