Former Hearts and Leicester City coach Craig Levein was appointed manager of Scottish Premier League strugglers Dundee United on Monday.

Levein signed a 2 1/2 year contract and replaces player manager Craig Brewster who was axed on Sunday following a dismal time in charge with just two wins from United's last 28 league matches.

"Craig Levein not only comes highly recommended in every category of the criteria set by the board, but has a proven track record and an excellent reputation for man management," Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson said on the club's website.

"He also has extensive contacts in England and abroad and these will be important as we look to strengthen the squad in the next transfer window," Thompson added.

Levein, a former Scotland defender, had been manager of third division Raith Rovers on a non-contract basis after he was sacked by Leicester last season.

United are bottom of the standings with eight points from 12 matches and Levein is their sixth manager in the past four years.

"I fully appreciate the scale of the task before me but I am confident that I can help Dundee United to climb the league," Levein said.

"I am under no illusions that there will be an easy quick fix, but I would not have taken the job if I did not believe I could make a difference nor would I have considered coming to Tannadice if I did not believe that there was a determination to succeed within the club."