A former Manchester United youngster who saw his career cut short by a dangerous tackle has received a record £4.5m in compensation.

Ben Collett, 23, suffered a double leg break in his first Manchester United reserve game five years ago against Middlesbrough following a dangerous tackle from opponent Gary Smith. Smith and Middlesbrough had previously admitted liability for the injury.

Collett never recovered from the injury to the point where he could continue to pursue a career in football.

Collett’s solicitor Jan Levinson said the award “reflects Ben’s talent and potential prior to the tackle as one of the brightest young footballers in the country”.

He added: “Having said that, Ben would have preferred to have earned this through a full career in the game.”

Manchester United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson described him as an “outstanding” player.

At an earlier hearing in Manchester Ferguson said: “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.”

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

Mrs Justice Swift awarded Mr Collett £3,854,328 for future loss of earnings.

The figure for general damages for pain and suffering, loss of amenity and loss of congenial employment was £35,000.

Past loss of earnings was put at £456,095.

Mrs Justice Swift said of Collett, who is now studying English at Leeds University, said: “I found him a most impressive young man.

“He was plainly intelligent and it is clear that he has brought – and will in the future bring – to his academic studies the same dedication and commitment that he formerly applied to football.”