Edinson Cavani faces a possible three-match ban after using a racially offensive term in an Instagram post.
The Uruguayan striker came off the bench and scored twice to inspire Manchester United to a 3-2 comeback victory against Southampton on Sunday.
Replying to a message of congratulations on Instagram, Cavani used the Spanish term “n***ito”, which literally translates to “little black man”.
United stressed that the word was clearly used in an affectionate manner and has different connotations in Cavani’s native South America.
The club said the 33-year-old had been made aware such terms are viewed as offensive in the UK and he subsequently deleted the post.
The FA, which is aware of the matter and will investigate, issued guidelines ahead of this season clamping down on racist and discriminatory language and behaviour, with offences on social media carrying a minimum three-game ban.
Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Dele Alli of Tottenham were both suspended for one match last season after posts that breached FA guidelines.
Cavani’s friend and compatriot Luis Suarez was given an eight-game ban by the FA in 2011 after calling United full-back Patrice Evra “n***o”. The Liverpool striker initially used the same defence as Cavani, although later admitted in his autobiography: “I’m not trying to pretend it was meant in a friendly way to Evra because clearly we were arguing. But nor was it ever meant as a racist slur.”
Solskjaer hails ‘top class’ Cavani
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer heaped praise on super sub Cavani after the veteran striker spearheaded United’s stunning comeback win at Southampton.
Saints were on course for their first home league win against the Red Devils since 2003, with Jan Bednarek and James Ward-Prowse giving them a two-goal cushion heading into half-time.
But United boss Solskjaer’s decision to turn to summer signing Cavani at half-time proved inspired, with the veteran striker setting up Bruno Fernandes before scoring a brace to seal a 3-2 triumph at the death.
United have come from behind to win all of their away league matches this season, with this victory extending their winning run on the road to a club record eighth match in succession.
“I thought we played well all day,” Solskjaer said. “We created some big chances.
“Of course they have the quality of James Ward-Prowse, which is always difficult to defend against, so coming in at half-time we have to make changes and Edinson made a great impact.
“We know he is one of the cleverest and best movers in the box, he can peel off you, get in front of you. Sometimes it works for you and he certainly had an impact today.
“[The never say die attitude] is very important and a trait that Man United always should have. Never give up, never give in.
“I don’t know how many times I was on the pitch and we came back and won games towards the end.
“We had a manager who never, ever allows anyone to give up and I have to say that’s one of my values.
“I have to say if you don’t play well at least work hard and never give in.
“Show that you give everything for your team and, even though I think we played really well today, I think we showed we had a character to dig in when the result looked to go against us.”
Solskjaer’s side showed great spirit at an empty St Mary’s, where Cavani was uncharacteristically unprepared before his stunning introduction.
“He’s got all the attributes of a top-class footballer and human being,” the United boss said.
“He’s had a great career, scored goals wherever he has been.
“He’s so professional, meticulous with his preparation, with his recovery, what he does at mealtimes, before the game, during the game, so I was surprised that he didn’t have his boots ready when the second half started!
“But also to have a focal point in the box is important for us because we’ve not really had that since Romelu [Lukaku] left.
“Anthony [Martial], Marcus [Rashford], Mason [Greenwood] they’re different types of forwards, so it gives us a great balance and a mix.
“We wanted to mix it up and Edinson had a great impact.”
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