SAO PAULO, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil head coach Mano Menezes has been appointed manager of reigning Brazilian Serie A champions Palmeiras, the club said on Tuesday.

Menezes, 57, replaces Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was sacked on Monday, a day after the team's 3-0 defeat by Flamengo in Brazil's top division.

In a statement on their official website, Palmeiras said Menezes had signed a contract until the end of 2021.

Brazil's head coach between 2010 and 2012, Menezes parted ways with Cruzeiro in August after a 10-match winless run across all competitions.

Having led the league in July, Palmeiras have since dropped to fifth, six points behind Flamengo.