Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson gives evidence in multi-million damages case

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson today described as "A-class" a young player claiming multi-million pound damages after a horror tackle ended his career.

The Old Trafford boss said Ben Collett had an "outstanding chance" of becoming a full-time professional if he had not been injured.

Collett, 23, joined United's youth academy aged nine and signed youth contracts, becoming part of the club's FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2003.

But, aged 18 and in his first game in the reserves in May 2003, he had his right leg broken in two places in a tackle from Middlesbrough FC's Gary Smith.

Both Smith and the club have admitted liability for the "negligent" tackle.

Collett was unable to forge a career in the professional game after the injury and is now studying.

The five-day hearing at Manchester High Court is to decide the level of damages Collett should receive from Middlesbrough's insurers.

Sir Alex gave his full name, Alexander Chapman Ferguson, and swore an oath on the Bible before telling the court of Collett's potential.

"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.

Sir Alex said Manchester United had been built around young sides from the time of Sir Matt Busby in the 1950s.

He said Collett had played in the FA Youth Cup-winning side in 1992, just as David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville, also products of the academy.

Despite the injury, Collett was still offered a two-year youth contract.

Richard Hartley QC, acting for Collett, asked Sir Alex about the youngster's attitude to clean living and dedication to his job.

"A-class," he said. "His attitude was magnificent. It was sad to see him come back and try so hard. I think we knew at that point it was a fruitless task, but his effort ... he's an example to a lot of young players who get injured."

Earlier, the court heard Collett could have earned more than £13,000 a week, making a total in excess of £16 million, if he had played until the age of 35.

United legend Paddy Crerand said the youngster was a Ryan Giggs type of player and could have gone on to become a household name.

Sir Alex said Collett, as a left-footed attacking midfielder, was a much prized asset in football.

If he had continued his progression the youngster would have been vying with Ryan Giggs, 11 years his senior, for a place in the first team. It meant Collett would probably have gone out on loan to another club to get experience and build himself up physically.

But going out on loan, especially to a club in a lower division, should not reflect badly on a young player, the court heard.

Sir Alex told the court about David Beckham who was loaned out to Championship side Preston North End.

Laughing, Sir Alex said: "I think David thought he was on the way out.

"We had to convince his family because he was quite a young lad at the time, quite rakish.

"After a few weeks he thought it was fantastic."

After leaving court Sir Alex was asked by a reporter if Ronaldo was staying at the club. He replied: "I hope so."

The case continues tomorrow with United captain Gary Neville expected to give evidence for Mr Collett.

The hearing is scheduled to finish on Friday.