Paul Pogba has called on the world’s top players to spearhead the fight against racism and use their “power” to educate those ignorant of the damage that racism causes.

Pogba asked his United team-mates to wear “No to racism” and “We are one” wrist bands during the warm-up before the 4-1 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

The France World Cup winner said the move was inspired by the “Stand Up, Speak Up” wristband campaign launched by former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry in 2005 and was his way of drawing attention to a fresh outbreak of racist incidents across European football this year.

And, despite insisting he did not want to become an unofficial “president” among footballers on race issues, Pogba believes it is time for the game’s leading players to take a united stand.

“It was my idea to do that,” Pogba said of the wristbands. “I’ve been thinking about doing this but I don’t want to go through Uefa or Fifa. I did it myself.

“I think we have the chance to have this power to show things in football, on TV. People see it so I think that will make people understand some things.