Former Manchester United and Scotland manager Tommy Docherty, popularly known as ‘The Doc’, has died after a long illness at the age of 92, his family announced on Thursday.

Docherty managed 12 clubs — including Chelsea and Aston Villa and a stint in Australia — after a playing career that included 25 caps for Scotland and more than 300 games at Preston North End.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tommy Docherty, who led us to FA Cup victory in 1977 with a thrilling, attacking team in the best traditions of Manchester United,” United said on Twitter.

Docherty was at Old Trafford from 1972-77, replacing Frank O’Farrell, with the 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Bob Paisley’s Liverpool a highlight.

The Glaswegian was sacked in 1977 after an extra-marital affair with the wife of the United physio. He later married the lady. His departure saw flair replaced with more dour fare under Dave Sexton.

“For about four to five years, we were an unbelievable side and that was all down to The Doc,” former United player Sammy McIlroy told Sky Sports news.

Docherty was also famed for his ready wit and acerbic one-liners, joking that he’d had more clubs than golfer Jack Nicklaus.

The Scottish FA said in a statement that it was deeply saddened by the passing of a man who had “a profound impact on the game”.

“Football has lost a tremendous personality in Tommy Docherty. He was tenacious on the park and a great leader off it,” said Scottish FA president Rod Petrie.

“Tommy was a regular in the Scotland side in the 1950s that qualified for two World Cups.”