As Ruud van Nistelrooy steps up to become the caretaker of Manchester United, the Mirror takes a look at the Dutch legend's life away from the Theatre of Dreams - which has included some fiery moments
In a full-circle moment, Ruud van Nistelrooy has now been appointed as interim manager at Manchester United - taking over from Erik ten Hag. And the Dutch legend of course needs no introduction.
Long-running feud In 2003, Ruud entered into a heated feud with Arsenal player Martin Keown, during the now-legendary Battle of Old Trafford. And in recent months, the old flames have been fanned once more. After a late penalty miss, Martin leapt on Ruud, in an act that sparked a chaotic mass 21-man brawl involving players from both sides.
Ibrahim Sangare's fury PSV Eindhoven player Ibrahim Sangare was reportedly left so furious after learning Ruud was leaving the club, that he stormed out of the training ground and locked himself in his car. Shortly afterwards, the Ivorian midfielder jumped ship to Nottingham Forest. Deleted 'Blackface' After being appointed as United's interim manager, Ruud finally deleted an offensive social media photo which showed him wearing 'Blackface'. The photo, which dates back to 2013, shows the Dutchman dressed up as King Balthazar at the Parade of the Three Kings in Marbella, Spain, complete with black make-up.
Former midfielder Gullit was reportedly not offended by the display, with Humberto Tan, a member of the committee set up to combat racism in football, explaining that these costumes had been intended as a compliment. In an interview with De Telegraaf, Humberto 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.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag and bring in Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim bossDutch manager has been under pressure with United currently in 14th position in the Premier League table
Read more »
Ruud van Nistelrooy 'had his staff all ready' before accepting Man Utd job offerManchester United sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday and Ruud van Nistelrooy has been named interim head coach but he eyed a return to management before taking his job at Old Trafford
Read more »
Jim Ratcliffe says decision on Ten Hag’s Manchester United future ‘not my call’Minority owner evasive when asked about club’s manager
Read more »
Manchester United restricted to a draw by Fenerbahce as Mourinho is sent offJosé Mourinho sees red in reunion with former club
Read more »
Nothing ‘to panic about’: Erik ten Hag calm over Manchester United’s poor startUnder-fire manager unfazed by weekend Spurs drubbing and reaffirms commitment to club and ‘agreement’
Read more »
Pundits put the boot into welly-wearing Munster and Manchester UnitedPaul McGinley feels the emotion at unloved Presidents Cup
Read more »