FA to investigate social media post by United's Cavani

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SHOWS: MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, UK (OCTOBER 19, 2020) (MUTV - DO NOT OBSCURE LOGO. NO COMMERCIAL USE. NO RESALES) (MUTE)

1. MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYERS INCLUDING EDINSON CAVANI JOGGING

2. MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER

3. CAVANI TRAINING

4. TRAINING SESSION

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (NOVEMBER 23, 2020) (UEFA - NO RESALES. NO COMMERCIAL USE. MUST ON-SCREEN COURTESY "©UEFA 2020)

5. CAVANI TRAINING

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (NOVEMBER 23, 2020) (UEFA - NO RESALES. NO COMMERCIAL USE. MUST ON-SCREEN COURTESY "©UEFA 2020)

6. TRAINING SESSION

7. CAVANI TRAINING

STORY: The English FA is looking into a deleted social media post by Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani which contained a Spanish phrase that is offensive in some contexts.

The 33-year-old Uruguay international inspired United to a 3-2 comeback win at Southampton on Sunday, with two goals and an assist after coming off the bench at halftime.

Replying to a message of congratulations on Instagram, Cavani wrote in Spanish: "Gracias negrito". The post appeared shortly after the match and has now been deleted.

Cavani could face a minimum three-game ban if the FA deems he used discriminatory or racist language under its Rule E3.

Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, Cavani's Uruguay team mate, got an eight-match ban for using the same word in his on-field clash with United's French defender Patrice Evra in 2011.

United could not immediately be reached for comment.

Cavani has scored three league goals for the club since joining as a free agent in the summer transfer window.

(Production: Andy Ragg)