Thompson meets with Hughes as United prepare to appoint their new manager

Dundee United hope to appoint their new manager within the next 48 hours, writes Euan Mcarthur.

The Tannadice club have been busy running the rule over candidates for the vacant managerial post in the wake of Ray Mckinnon’s recent sacking and yesterday chairman Stephen Thompson met with John Hughes, pictured.

Hughes, the 53-year-old former Inverness and Raith manager, is on the Tangerines’ shortlist and has support within the boardroom as he seeks a return to the dug-out. He would jump at the chance of taking over at United, who are desperate for a return to the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Whoever succeeds Mckinnon is likely to have caretaker boss Laurie Ellis as his assistant. On Saturday, Ellis guided United to a morale-boosting 2-0 success at Dumbarton.