Not many people are aware of it, but it will probably go down as one of the most bizarre dismissals in the history of English football.

Paul Pogba had played a key role in Manchester United’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2011 FA Youth Cup.

Old Trafford ready for second coming of Pogba

The Frenchman, already 6ft 3in, had been a commanding, cool-headed and goalscoring presence for United in midfield throughout his second season in England and was charged with the responsibility of taking a penalty in front of the Anfield Road stand, which was packed with thousands of Liverpool supporters.

Pogba, one day shy of his 18th birthday, sauntered up to take the spot kick, pulled his right leg back and went to strike the ball, but paused a second before