In the same phase of play, the Frenchman was fouled by a frustrated Ashley Westwood.
Yet after winning the free-kick, Pogba was livid when Moss, the man in the middle, made a comment as he sat on the turf.
Pogba replied, “What do you mean, ‘Take the piss? I’m playing football.”
The United No.6 repeatedly asked the official, “What do you mean?” – with his hands out as he combined confusion with annoyance.
Given there were no fans in attendance at Old Trafford, the audio from the exchange between player and referee could be heard very clearly in a clip that has been circulating on social media.
In 2019, the Premier League launched an investigation into Moss’ conduct after Bournemouth’s Dan Gosling accused him of showing “zero respect” towards the Cherries during a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United.
Gosling told the Daily Echo: “I thought he was a disgrace. The comments that he made especially to me and one other player – talking about the relegation zone and ‘you’re still in the relegation zone’, ‘you’re having one’, ‘your team’s having one’ this and that – and it was very, very disrespectful. I thought it was very disrespectful what he was saying.”
Although the Premier League spoke to Moss and other officials in charge of the fixture, as well as reviewing audio from the referee’s microphone conversations with players, no action was taken by the Premier League or Football Association.
The German journalist has backed claims made by another reporter, Bild‘s Christian Falk, that the 26-year-old is being targeted by the Red Devils:
Update #Goretzka: The bosses of #MUFC told his management in the phone call that they want to replace @paulpogba. He will probably leave the club. But next to @ManUtd there are other clubs from ??????? interested in him. Next to #Barca and #RealMadrid. @SPORT1 https://t.co/Ej4io0Mjtz
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 30, 2021
While reports appear to suggest that there is genuine interest in Goretzka, United supporters on Twitter are sceptical, with many believing that the player is using the club as a way to get himself a lucrative new contract with Bayern:
Sounds like Ramos all over again
— Keyser Söze ?? (@oddlyspeltandre) June 30, 2021
Don’t see this happening
— Ryan James (@RyancornyJames) June 30, 2021
We’re not falling for these news. Not anymore
— Sir. Malik (@abdelmalik08) June 30, 2021
We’re being used for a better contract again pic.twitter.com/rb8hBlkJ2x
— dwayne (@dwayneUTD) June 30, 2021
that’s like replacing ferrari with a horse carriage
— . (@pogbmatic) June 30, 2021
Using Utd name for better contract simple as
— Mr. Thank You/Mr. You’re Welcome (@middo11) June 30, 2021
Not true ❎
— #GetGlazersOut (@KaranJatt) June 30, 2021
Fake news
— lemuel? (@LemuelKH_1997) June 30, 2021
Don’t need him, let Donny replace Pogba. Donny is brilliant if United can use him right
— Anthony Doherty (@Clyde_H93) June 30, 2021
The transfer does seem a bit unlikely. Recent reports have indicated that United are working hard on renewing Pogba’s contract while, even if the Frenchman did leave, the Manchester club still have Donny van de Beek to take his place.
Goretzka is a quality footballer, having scored eight goals and provided nine assists in 32 appearances last season, but he is not the type of player United desperately need.