Sa Pinto played for Standard towards the end of his playing career. Last season, he coached Greek outfit Atromitos, while he previously coached Sporting Lisbon amongst others.
Standard are 10-time Belgian champions but have just endured a disappointing season, missing out on the Belgian championship play-offs for the second season running.
According to Belgian media, Sa Pinto was not the club's first choice for the position -- French former Lyon and Aston Villa boss Remi Garde had been among the other names linked to the post.