The legendary former Manchester United boss was in charge of the Dons the last time a side other than Celtic or Rangers won the Scottish top flight back in 1984/85.
Hearts boss Derek McInnes revealed this week that the 84-year-old has been giving him valuable advice as the Jambos close in on their first title since 1960.
For the second consecutive weekend, one goal was enough for the hosts at Tynecastle as Claudio Braga steered home the winner on 28 minutes.
"We only get the one goal and that's the only thing we're really disappointed with," said McInnes.
"It's the business end of the season where everything gets decided and all we've done is put ourselves in a good position to try and take that on, but nobody's getting carried away."
Hearts have been battling a mounting injury list, but now have a two-week break to rest and recuperate, unlike their title rivals.
Rangers and Celtic face off at Ibrox in the league on Sunday in the first of a double-header as the Old Firm do battle again in the Scottish Cup next weekend.
Celtic, winners of 13 of the last 14 titles, are now nine points behind the leaders, albeit with two games in hand.
Fourth-placed Motherwell are also not out of the title hunt after they beat Dundee United 2-0 to maintain their fine form at Fir Park.
Tawanda Maswanhise scored both goals to take his tally for the season to 21.
Jens Berthel Askou's men have not lost at home since November and have kept 10 clean sheets in 11 games in that run.
Motherwell remain 10 points off the top, but have a game in hand on Hearts and face McInnes' men twice more this season.
Falkirk thrashed Kilmarnock 5-1 to all but seal their place in the top six.
Dundee edged towards safety after a 3-3 draw against Hibernian.
Bottom-of-the-table Livingston remain without a win since August as they were held 1-1 by fellow strugglers St. Mirren.
