Attractive attacking football is and always will be in Manchester United’s DNA, according to former boss Tommy Docherty.
Docherty – who managed the club for five years in the 1970s – said that despite recent criticism of tactics under Louis van Gaal, their history dictates a certain style of play should always be adhered to.
"Through Sir Matt Busby, God rest his soul, and to a certain extent myself, we played with wingers," he told TheFA.com.
Preston North End v Manchester United
The FA Cup
Fifth Round Proper
7.45pm, Monday 16 February
Deepdale, Preston
Winners receive £180,000
Live on BBC1
"Manchester United have always played with wingers and I’ve been a great advocate of that.
"It's part of what the club is all about. Under Sir Alex they were the same."
Docherty, now 86, was speaking ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup Fifth Round trip to Preston North End, another club close to his heart.
A former right-half, he spent nine years at Deepdale as a player between 1949 and 1958.
He also had a short stint in charge in 1981 – and said his passion for attacking football stemmed from his time with Preston.
"Having been brought up with Preston North End and the great Tom Finney – at every club I’ve been with I’ve always introduced wingers because they excite me," he added.
"When I was at Manchester United I was lucky to have some great wingers in Steve Coppell, Stuart Pearson, Gordon Hill and Jimmy Greenhoff – it was great to watch."
Tommy Docherty celebrates Manchester United's 1977 FA Cup success with Stuart Pearson and Lou Macari
Docherty won The FA Cup with Manchester United in 1977, when they defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley.
It was a result that prevented the Merseysiders from becoming the first team to complete a treble of FA Cup, league title and European Cup – a feat Manchester United would go on to achieve 22 years later.
And as his two previous clubs prepare to go head-to-head for a place in the quarter finals – Docherty says he is proud of Preston for making it to the latter stages of the competition.
"With the facilities that they have, the players they’ve got and the limited amount of money they operate on – I think they’re doing very very well," he added.
"I’ll always want them to do well because as a player I spent so many years there. I look back at that time with great memories.
“I look out for all the clubs I’ve played for or managed – it usually takes me a couple of hours every Saturday night!”
Tommy Docherty
"They were a marvellous club and it was a great place to be around. I’ll always keep an eye on their results as well.
"I look out for all the clubs I’ve played for or managed – it usually takes me a couple of hours every Saturday night!"
And who will the former manager be cheering on when Monday evening comes around? Unsurprisingly, Docherty would not be drawn.
"The best result for Preston would be a draw at Deepdale and then go back to Old Trafford and do the best they can and come away with a very large cheque," he added.
"I won’t be cheering for anyone in particular though – but I’m also a great believer that if your name is on The FA Cup, you’ll win it."
Tommy Docherty was speaking on behalf of official FA Cup sponsor williamhill.com
