Police have said the defacing of a mural of Marcus Rashford is not being considered as a racist offence.
The mural was sprayed with offensive graffiti not long after Rashford missed a penalty during England’s shoot-out loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
It was initially reported to officers as racially-aggravated.
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Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: "While the content of the vandalism is not believed to be of a racial nature, officers are keeping an open mind as to the motive behind defacing the artwork."
Messages such as “F--- Sancho” were left on the mural along with words like “S---“ and “b------“ next to the name “Saka”
The mural, in Withington, Manchester, has since been turned into a tribute to Rashford with messages of support and flags not only left for him but also his England team-mates.
Along with Rashford - Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka also missed penalties and the three players were subject to vile racist abuse on social media after the game.
Rashford tweeted: “"The messages I have received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing the response in Withington had me on the verge of tears.
"The communities that always wrapped their arms around me continue to hold me up. I'm Marcus Rashford, 23 years old, black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester.
"If I have nothing else, I have that. For all the kind messages, thank you. I'll be back stronger. We'll be back stronger."
Investigators are conducting "several lines of enquiry including CCTV and forensic evidence from the spray paint used, results for which are expected to be returned in the coming weeks".
No arrests have been made yet.
Superintendent Richard Timson, district commander for GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "On Monday morning when we saw the damage done to the mural in Withington we were all left appalled, and we stand with the rest of the community whose solidarity against this vile abuse ever since has really shown the best of our city.
"The person responsible for this knows who they are and we believe there will be others who also suspect the identity of this offender, and I therefore urge anyone with such information to get in touch to help progress our enquiries at speed."
The mural was originally created by street-artist Akse in recognition of Rashford’s heroic charity work which included making sure children had free school meals during the pandemic.
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