EXCLUSIVE: A Premier League icon has spoken out over Manchester United's decision to keep Michael Carrick as manager and pointed to what he says is the real problem at Old Trafford

A Premier League icon has spoken out over Manchester United’s decision to keep Michael Carrick as manager. And the legendary star has taken aim at the real problem at Old Trafford.

Carrick’s job, for the meantime, remains safe after crisis talks between United’s owners the Glazers, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and directors Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox concluded that the 45-year-old will continue as manager to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

It looked inevitable that Carrick would be dismissed by United after a 3-0 embarrassment at home to Bournemouth came just days after they were humbled in a 4-1 defeat against Como in the Champions League. But the club’s hierarchy decided against a knee-jerk decision.

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Not many saw Carrick still being in charge for Saturday’s match, with many feeling it's simply a stay of execution.

But former Chelsea and Tottenham star, and Brighton and Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has backed United’s decision to keep Carrick, instead claiming the real problem comes in the boardroom.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, via Football Betting, Poyet said: “Yes it’s the right decision, but we have seen now that it’s not the manager that is the issue.

“What needs to be looked at is what is the core of the football club, the heart of the club to make it right. You also have to forget the Sir Alex era as this is long gone now and not the same set-up.

“So Man Utd hierarchy need to get the core of the club right, and then this will filter through to the players and then you can see a change of fortune.”

Despite backing United’s decision not to sack Carrick, Poyet did give his recommendation for who should replace the legendary midfielder if the time comes when his position becomes untenable.

Poyet said: “I wouldn’t like to comment on who should be a replacement, but if you asked me who could be a good fit for Manchester United then it’s Unai Emery.

“You see his CV, what he has achieved in Spain and now over a number of years at Aston Villa, he would be someone who can fit Manchester United.”

Unai Emery has long been admitted by United fans but the realistic chance of attracting the Villa boss to Old Trafford, particularly mid-season, is something that appears unlikely.

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are the two names heavily linked with the United job if Carrick is unable to turn his and the club’s fortunes around, with both bosses currently out of a job.