Ruud van Nistelrooy has erased an old photograph of himself in ‘blackface’ after being appointed as Erik ten Hag’s interim successor at Manchester United.

The image from 2013 featured the former United striker wearing black make-up and costumed as the historical wise man who brought infant Jesus myrhh, an honor bestowed upon King Balthazar. 

Thousands of X users reshared an earlier post showing Van Nistelrooy costumed in elaborate costumes at the Parade of the Three Kings in Marbella, Spain before he removed it.

Many people consider the practice of ‘blackface’, which originated in the nineteenth century, to be racist. It’s an annual cause of contention in his home Netherlands, where white performers continue to paint and dress up as ‘Zwarte Piet’ – Black Peter – at Christmas festivals, while some regard it as a harmless practice. 

Van Nistelrooy’s activities will be closely watched as he takes over as temporary manager for United after Ten Hag was fired on Monday morning.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has deleted an old tweet depicting him wearing ‘blackface’ during a fiesta in Spain in 2013.

The new Manchester United interim manager was dressed up as the wise man who brought infant Jesus myrhh to the Parade of the Three Kings in Marbella, Spain.

Van Nistelrooy is stepping in after Erik ten Hag was fired by Manchester United on Monday morning.

The 48-year-old was hired as an assistant coach this summer and led PSV to the Dutch Cup in 2022-23, his only season in senior management.

In 2013, he performed a ‘blackface’ act at a charity event and went to a hospital with two other ‘kings’ to give children candy and gifts to the staff. 

Van Nistelrooy, who wore black face makeup, a jewelled headdress, and a robe with leopard print trim, sparked outrage at the time.

Three Kings’ Day is an annual post-festival celebration in Spain that takes place in January. People celebrate the conclusion of the Christmas season with processions and gifts in honor of the three wise men who came to see the newborn Jesus.

Dressing up as the ‘kings’ is popular, and this often includes ‘blacking up’.

The Netherlands occasionally deals with a scandal involving ‘blackface’ in football. 

Over the summer, Ruud Gullit and Nathan Ake defended three supporters who attended the Euros with black make-up and hairstyles similar to the former.

The Parade of the Three Kings is an annual ritual. Van Nistelrooy distributed sweets to youngsters in a hospital and presented gifts to workers.

According to Dutch daily De Telegraaf, Gullit appeared unconcerned, claiming, “I actually feel honored.”

He is a Dutch legend, having helped his country win the European Championship in 1988. The three supporters wore replica kits from that team as part of their ensemble.