The Dutchman was confirmed as the Red Devils’ interim head coach on Monday following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.
The move comes just months after Van Nistelrooy had returned to Old Trafford to become a member of Ten Hag’s backroom team.
And having now been given the chance to hold the reins, the former United striker has had to tidy up his social media. Back in 2013, Van Nistelrooy shared a number of images dressed up as King Balthazar at the Parade of the Three Kings in Marbella, Spain.
It showed the now 48-year-old in an extravagant costume, along with black makeup on his face. The move had been organised as a charity function, where Van Nistelrooy visited a hospital and gave gifts to both staff and children.
Posting several photos at the time, he wrote as cited by Sports Central: “In hospital with presents for the young and old.” But the post has disappeared from the ex-United man’s account. According to The Telegraph, the post had been deleted by 4pm on Monday - just a matter of hours after Van Nistelrooy had taken his place in the hotseat.
The topic of ‘black face’ has regularly caused debate in the Netherlands.
It is deemed less offensive in Van Nistelrooy’s home country than in the UK. A number of Dutch fans were criticised for imitating former Dutch international Ruud Gullit at Euro 2024 - even down to wearing makeup on their faces.
But it was claimed that Gullit was not offended by the costumes. Humberto Tan, a member of the committee set up to combat racism in football alongside the former midfielder, revealed that the costumes were only meant as a compliment.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, he said: “Ruud said when he saw it: ‘I actually feel quite honoured’, because it’s a reminder of one of the biggest prizes he won as a footballer. Blackface is an unattractive phenomenon, but in this specific case, where it’s meant as a tribute, I think that’s how you should see it.”
Bart van de Ven, one of the men to wear the Gullit-themed costumes, promised to retire the outfit having worn it at a number of previous international tournaments. Speaking to Dutch News, he said: “Maybe I made a mistake or it's a blind spot. The last thing I want to do is hurt people and that's why I've decided to stop. “I've had a lot of really nice responses as well, but clearly there is a group who feel differently. I have to respect that and listen to it. The last thing I want is for people to have a certain unpleasant association with my act.
He added: “I do the act purely for my own enjoyment and wanted to raise money for a good causes as Rasta Ruud during the European championships. That’s not happening now. If the fun stops, it stops for me too.”
Van Nistelrooy is set to take charge of his first game with the Red Devils this week. United take on Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday afternoon at Old Trafford.
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