Ruud van Nistelrooy rushes to delete 'black face' photo just hours after being named Man Utd's new interim manager

Van Nistelrooy has been appointed interim boss of Manchester United after Erik ten Hag was sacked by the Red Devils. After taking up his new role, Van Nistelrooy was quick to delete a photo of himself with "black face" on social media. The original image posted 11 years ago, showed Van Nistelrooy dressed as a king and wearing black makeup. According to The Telegraph, the photo had been deleted by 4pm, just hours after Van Nistelrooy had taken charge of the first team squad.

Van Nistelrooy's photo was taken when he took part in the Parade of the Three Kings in Marbella. The Dutchman was dressed up as Middle Eastern king Balthazar as part of a charity function where he visited children at a hospital and handed out gifts and sweets. At the time he posted a message on social media that read: "In hospital with presents for the young and old.” However, the photo was criticised at the time with black face seen as racist and deeply offensive.

The practice of 'blackface' dates back to the 19th century. In the Netherlands the controversial tradition of 'Zwarte Piet' - Black Peter - still continues at Christmas festivals.

Van Nistelrooy will take charge of Manchester United for the first time on Wednesday night when the Red Devils take on Leicester City in the Carabao Cup. It has been reported that Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim is the frontrunner to succeed Ten Hag permanently, but Van Nistelrooy is also being touted as a contender for the job.