Ex-Manchester United starlet John Cofie who bagged £1m deal in court accused of rape

A FORMER Manchester United wonderkid appeared in court yesterday accused of rape.

John Cofie, 29, was the youngest footballer to bag a £1million deal when Sir Alex Ferguson signed him for the youth team aged just 14.

CHRIS NEILLCofie is charged with raping a woman in Trafford, Gtr Manchester, in 2019, alongside co-accused Nathan Stuart[/caption]

Cofie is charged with raping a woman in Trafford, Gtr Manchester, in 2019, alongside co-accused Nathan Stuart.

Cofie, who is still close pals with ex-Red Devils Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, signed in 2007 for the huge sum.

But the Ghanaian-born player failed to make a single appearance for United and left in 2013.

He retired two years ago and has since worked as a mentor for kids enrolled in a footie programme in Lancashire.

Cofie denies the charge.

The trial at Manchester Minshull Street crown court continues.