From Fergie's hairdryer to AFC Telford

Still only 22, the Ghana-born striker is trying to resurrect his career in National League North.

It comes just five years on from playing with future stars Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison and Jesse Lingard at Manchester United.

Cofie was lured to Old Trafford after United paid Burnley £1million for him as a 14-year-old. But it didn't work out and after loan spells with Royal Antwerp, Sheffield United and Notts County, he was released in 2013.

He has struggled for regular football ever since, with short stints at Barnsley, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Molde, Crawley and Wrexham. Cofie had Shrewsbury Town loanee Larnell Cole as another team-mate.

Cofie said: "I came through with Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison, Ryan Tunnicliffe and Jesse Lingard – our youth team was something else.

"We won the FA Youth Cup that year (2011). It was a mad, crazy amazing season."

United famously had the 'Class of 92' – the side featuring David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers Gary and Phil.

They took the FA Youth Cup and formed the nucleus of the Champions League heroes of 1999.

Cofie declared: "At United, they talk about the 'Class of 92' – but we could have given them a run for their money. Our squad was unbelievably good."

It's clear his happiest memories are from that youth team, with him saying: "I remember one pre-season.

"I scored in every friendly then scored in every game for the first nine or 10 games – then I got injured! I got back in and then just carried on from there.

"The understanding throughout that team from front to back was so good so it was great to be a part of.

"I think to win that and play with those players is the highlight of my career so far. But no matter who you are, United is a tough place to break through.

"For all the Pogbas, Ravels and Tunnicliffes, I don't think there was one player from that team who couldn't have made it at a higher level because they were all so brilliantly talented."

Cofie's team at United beat Portsmouth, Newcastle, West Ham, Liverpool, Chelsea and then Sheffield United in the final, with 29,977 watching at Bramall Lane and 23,000 present at Old Trafford.

He said: "We drew 2-2 there and then for the second leg at Old Trafford, everyone knew what was going to happen and we won 4-1.

"I scored in the third round win (3-2) against Portsmouth at Altrincham, but I think the toughest game was West Ham away when we ground out a 1-0 win."

Around that time, Cofie made the England Under-17s squad and his team-mates read like a 'who's who' of future stars.

He said: "I played with Ross Barkley, Benik Afobe, Jack Butland, Harry Kane and Connor Wickham, plus Sam Johnstone, Ravel Morrison and Will Keane from United, and Andre Wisdom from Liverpool."

So what happened? Cofie smiles – he's clearly been asked before.

He said: "People might say 'what's gone wrong?' I think the biggest problem I've had is I've never had regular games anywhere.

"I've joined clubs and been told this or that is going to happen and then it hasn't and I've maybe played once or twice, been sub then left out.

"But look at Jamie Vardy. And if this drop hadn't happened, I wouldn't know God in the way I do now.

"My faith is stronger and I pray every day. I don't doubt for a second that I can get back to where I should be.

"I've been lucky to have been around all those people and at United, I became really good friends with Danny Welbeck.

"I saw him last weekend, speak to him on a daily basis and I thrive off the advice he gives me. I'm happy to have had the life I've had up to this stage – and I know it can only get better."

Cofie had many memorable times at Old Trafford – but a few unforgettable ones too, involving legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his infamous 'hairdryer' treatment.

He said: "I had that a couple of times! But he's not as bad as people make him out to be.

"If you got on the wrong side of him, he'd tell you off, but he did it in a way to advise you and to make you a better person and a better player.

"As a manager, his record speaks for itself, but as a person, he'll tell you straight if you're in the wrong.

"I stepped out of line a couple of times and was late for training. I was called into his office, which is somewhere you don't want to get called into.

"It was very scary and nerve-wracking. The worst bit was the waiting. I'd rather have got fined than got told off by him.

"Even though I wasn't in the first team, he it took it on himself to tell me it couldn't happen again – and it didn't.

"He didn't shout, but it's just his accent and the way he speaks makes you get the point – and I got it. From that time on, I was an hour early and used to go in the gym!"

Fast forward to 2016 and Cofie is determined to repay another gaffer, Bucks boss Rob Smith.

He said: "This season has been tough. There were a few problems with my grandmother and my brothers back home and a bereavement, so I was travelling a lot and didn't get a pre-season.

"But everything has been sorted now, so I really appreciate this opportunity. I'm going to work hard and try to repay him for this chance."