Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani could face a ban after writing “negrito” in an Instagram post.

The 33-year-old striker was key in Manchester United's 3-2 comeback over Southampton on Sunday, scoring two goals and assisting another after coming off the bench at half-time. Nonetheless, his celebrations were cut short when one of his social media posts caught fire. 

Cavani reposted a congratulations message with a caption that read 'Gracias negrito.' That is when Manchester United notified him that the word 'negrito', which is a term of endearment in South America, has different connotations in England. The club confirmed that it reached out to the Uruguayan to make sure he understood that the term is not welcome in the UK, and he proceeded to delete the post. He also apologized for the incident.

South Americans were vocal on social media, explaining what the phrase is often used to show affection to friends and family. However, the FA issued guidelines ahead of the 2020/21 season cracking down on racists language and behavior, with offenses in social media carrying a minimum of a three-match ban. Hence, it is believed that the FA will investigate Cavani's Instagram post.

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Tottenham's Dele Alli both faced one-game suspensions last season for breaching FA guidelines in a similar matter.

Silva was banned for posting a tweet comparing his teammate Benjamin Mendy to a cartoon on a brand of Spanish chocolate. Meanwhile, Alli posted a video of him zooming in on an Asian man with the caption 'Corona whatttt'.

Also, the word used by Cavani was the same that his compatriot and friend Luis Suarez claimed he used toward ex-Manchester United defender Patrice Evra in 2011. Suarez was banned for eight matches.