Ray McKinnon has signed a three-year deal to become the new manager of Dundee United.

The 45-year-old quit as Raith Rovers boss on Wednesday evening following three days of talks with the Tannadice hierarchy and he will replace Mixu Paatelainen after the Finn was sacked following the club's relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

A compensation fee between United and Raith was agreed on Sunday with McKinnon agreeing to take charge of the Terrors in the Championship.

In a statement, McKinnon said: "This is a wonderful opportunity at a club that is close to my heart and I am looking forward to taking on the task of rebuilding club and developing the talent required to get us where we should be.

"There are a lot of challenges ahead and it is important that we give ourselves every opportunity to succeed. We will work hard to build a team that the United fans can be proud of.

"I want to thank everyone at Raith Rovers. I really enjoyed my time there and I am grateful to them for being so understanding of my desire to become manager of Dundee United. Raith Rovers are a fabulous, proper club whom I wish all the best."

McKinnon, who enjoyed two playing spells with United, started his managerial career at Lochee United before his success saw him join the senior ranks at Brechin City.

After impressing at Glebe Park, the Dundee-born boss moved on to Kirkcaldy, where he guided Rovers to the Premiership play-offs before losing out to Hibernian in the quarter-final.