Former PNE great Docherty can't see a future for Mourinho

Speaking ahead of a crunch Manchester derby clash which could decide the destination of the Premier League title on Saturday, the former Deepdale midfielder thinks United boss Jose Mourinho is on borrowed time.

Pep Guardiola’s City can win the championship at United’s expense with victory at Eastlands to leave Mourinho’s men battling to hang on to second place.

And The Doc has not been overly impressed by the Portuguese’s performance at Old Trafford and does not think he will enjoy a long stay at the club.

Mourinho oversaw League Cup and Europa League success last season.

But the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss has been criticised for his side’s style of play and for his treatment of certain players.

Docherty, who spent the bulk of his playing career at Preston North End before returning many years later for an ill-fated spell in charge of the club in the early 1980s, said: “If he was made of chocolate he would eat himself.

“You can’t argue with his record but I think he goes over the score with his criticism of players. He has bought those players and then he is criticising them afterwards.

“I would be amazed if he lasts any length of time at Manchester United. I don’t think the board will put up with his antics.”

Docherty, who was speaking in an interview to mark his 90th birthday later this month, managed United from 1972 until 1977, one of 14 clubs he oversaw during his career.

These days, however, he admits he prefers to watch the team from the blue half of Manchester.

Docherty said: “I don’t watch United a lot because I watch Manchester City a lot – because they are great to watch. They play football the way I like to play it.”