Mixu Paatelainen ruled out of running for Dundee United manager’s job

Mixu Paatelainen is understood to have ruled himself out of the running for the vacant Dundee United manager’s job.

The Finn, who formerly played for the Tangerines, was believed to be one of the favourites to take over from Jackie McNamara.

However, it is now being claimed that Paatelainen has set his sights on managing in England.

The 48-year-old is out of work after leaving his post as Finland national team boss in June and was also on the radar of Motherwell who are without a manager following the sacking of Ian Baraclough.

Paatelainen was an interested spectator at Tynecastle last Saturday taking in the game between United’s next opponents Hearts and Kilmarnock.

His decision will be another setback for United who have seen their pursuit of St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright end without success with Inverness manager John Hughes the current bookies’ favourite to take over at Tannadice.