Man Utd interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy deletes historic 'blacked up' fancy dress photo

Ruud van Nistelrooy has deleted a controversial historic image of himself in 'black face' following its re-emergence just hours after named him interim manager. The photo, taken in 2013, caused a social media storm shortly after United announced sacking on Monday morning.

Van Nistelrooy will guide the Red Devils into Wednesday's last-16 clash against at .

He is also expected to take charge of Sunday's meeting with , while the club pushes to appoint as Ten Hag's permanent successor.

But the popular Dutchman's interim reign didn't have the best of starts due to an image showing him donning black make-up resurfacing on X.

Van Nistelrooy made headlines 11 years ago for the controversial look when he participated in the Parade of the Three Kings in Spain.

He dressed up as Middle Eastern king Balthazar, traditionally portrayed as a black man in historical texts, for a charity event on Three Kings' Day - a Spanish celebration held every January.

Van Nistelrooy, alongside two other 'Kings', visited a hospital, where he handed out gifts to staff and sweet treats to children.

The 48-year-old shared several photos of the stunt at the time. However, he was criticised online and in the media.

In the UK, it is considered highly offensive to 'black up' by wearing black face paint to portray a figure or character of another race.

However, it is more commonly accepted in Van Nistelrooy's homeland, the Netherlands, due to the country's cultural traditions.

Zwarte [Black] Piet - a Christmas character who has survived since the colonial era - is still a fierce topic of debate every year.

Dutch football fans are also regularly spotted wearing black face paint to pay tribute to their icons.

At Euro 2024 in Germany this summer, some supporters faced a wave of criticism for dressing up as Ruud Gullit, which he later came out to defend, labelling it an "honour."

Van Nistelrooy will receive a hero's welcome at Old Trafford on Wednesday. He has done so in every match following his surprise return to United as part of Ten Hag's coaching staff.

Many expected his arrival to lead to an interim spell in charge amid ongoing uncertainty over his fellow Dutchman's future. There is little surprise that he is INEOS' short-term solution.

Whether he stays put in Manchester upon the appointment of a permanent manager remains to be seen.