I was in the South Stand for a game towards the end of last season when Ronaldo was brought down near the touchline in front of us. As usual, he threw his arms up in the air, scrunched up his face and protested to the referee as the play switched towards our goal and the official ignored him.

The guy sat next to me screamed at the top of his lungs “GET UP! 150 GRAND A WEEK, YOU’RE HAVING A LAUGH!” To be fair to Ronaldo, he has done the business over the past few years - but the incident highlighted to me how much the players earn is now a point of contention.

We are prone to think that the men in the shirts now are overpaid, over-pampered and over here. What we don’t stop to think about is the players who have great potential but see their careers cut short before they have even begun.

On May 1st 2003 a young United player of promise, Benjamin Collett, was tackled during a reserves match against Middlesbrough. The tackle from Gary Smith was high, reckless and snapped the tibia and fibula of his right leg. Collett was unable to play again to the level he had been enjoying.

This is not the first time in history a player’s career has been cut short. One of the Busby babes, Wilf McGuiness, was forced to retire young from injury. In those days compensation was unheard of so McGuiness was brought on to the coaching team by Sir Matt Busby and was thus able to still make a living.

Collett, as is absolutely right, sued Smith and Middlesbrough Football Club for compensation. The final judgement was passed last week and it makes for interesting reading.

United, in general, are pretty good to their ex-players. Bryan Robson now works for the club as an ambassador, scores of former players are burrowed around the club, coaching and scouting and still contributing. There are notable exceptions of course, Nobby Stiles was never given a testimonial and Denis Law learnt of his free transfer via the papers. But, by and large, United are a family club and try to look after their own.

Collett survived the brutal youth culling that occurs at the ages of 14 and 16 and was offered a two year apprenticeship at that point. He went on to score one of the goals as United won the 2003 FA Youth Cup, shortly before the tackle, and won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year Award.

During the course of proceedings Brian McClair, Alex Ferguson and Ricky Sbragia (part of United’s coaching set-up at he time) all came forward and spoke glowingly of Collett’s potential. Damages awarded in the end amount to the equivalent of £4million pounds in lost earnings.

Collett has taken his injury on the chin, been patient with the courts and is now studying a degree in Manchester where he is apparently an outstanding student. He should still go on to do well for himself.

Whilst we might get miffed from time to time with whingeing superstars it pays to be aware of what a brutal industry football can be. Ben Collett was one tackle away from what could have been a stellar career for Manchester United. A dream like that does not die easily. He appears to be a young man of purpose and strength. Not all are like him though. “150grand a week, you’re having a laugh”. Maybe, but just maybe they deserve it a bit too.