Jackie McNamara sacked by Dundee United after Perth defeat

Jackie McNamara has been sacked as Dundee United manager after his side's 2-1 defeat to St Johnstone, according to Sky sources.

The former Celtic player has been under pressure for some time because of the poor run of form his side has been on.

Their loss at McDiarmid Park means United have won just five of their last 28 games in all competitions going back to mid-February.

McNamara's assistant Simon Donnelly carried out post-match media duties in Perth and insisted to reporters his colleague was staying put.

But it appears Tannadice chairman Stephen Thompson has had enough and decided to part company with the 41-year-old.

McNamara moved to United from Partick Thistle in January 2013 and initially excelled in his role on Tayside.

But his team has struggled for much of this year and began to crumble after Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong were sold to Celtic in January.

Matters came to a head when it was revealed McNamara earned bonuses off the back of their departures and previous sales of Ryan Gauld and Andrew Robertson.

Fans have chanted at recent matches for McNamara to go and it now seems they have their wish, although the club is yet to confirm he has left.

United had gone in front against St Johnstone when Billy McKay - McNamara's final signing - scored a penalty after Alan Mannus was sent off.

But they fell apart after the break, with Graham Cummins and Simon Lappin netting to turn the match on its head and seal McNamara's fate.