Docherty saved Manchester United from relegation that season, only to see them relegated in 1974; by that time the trio of Best, Law, and Charlton had left the club.
Docherty reddede Manchester United fra nedrykning den sæson, bare for at kunne overvære at de rykkede ned i 1974 – på et tidspunkt hvor trioen Law, Best og Charlton alle havde forladt klubben.