Dundee United have appointed Mixu Paatelainen as their new manager until June 2018.

The Finn takes over at Tannadice Park with the club sitting bottom of the Scottish Premiership having managed just one victory in their opening 10 games.

That run of form saw Jackie McNamara's time at the helm come to an end, despite the Scot helping United to three top-six finishes and two cup finals.

Paatelainen, who played for the club between 1987 and 1992, was quickly linked with the role and has now been handed the reins after United had approaches for Tommy Wright and John Hughes turned down by St Johnstone and Inverness Caledonian Thistle respectively.

"I am delighted to welcome Mixu back to the club as our new head coach. He served United with distinction as a player and will do the same as a manager," chairman Stephen Thompson told the club's official website.

"His desire to come back to the club was clear from the first minute we spoke. He was the first person we spoke to and also the last.

"His experience combined with his vision and enthusiasm for the club made him the standout candidate and we are thrilled to announce his appointment."

Paatelainen, who has been out of work since leaving Finland in June, has previous experience in Scotland following spells in charge of Cowdenbeath, Hibernian and Kilmarnock.