DUNDEE United have announced the departure of manager Ray McKinnon.

McKinnon’s sacking had been widely reported since an emergency board meeting was held after Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat by Inverness, but the club waited until yesterday to make it official.

The defeat left United fourth in the Championship, five points adrift of leaders St Mirren.

A club statement said: “Dundee United and Ray McKinnon have mutually agreed the manager’s departure with immediate effect. The club thanks Ray for his service and will now commence the search for a new manager.”

In a statement on the club’s official website, McKinnon said: “It is disappointing that my time as manager of United has come to an end.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to both play for and then manage my hometown club that I have supported all my life.

“I would like to thank the fans for their support over my time in charge. Also, I’d like to thank everyone at Dundee United for their efforts during my tenure. I wish the club every success moving forward and I’m certain they will be back where they belong shortly.”

John Hughes and Jim McIntyre are the favourites to land the job.