Gus Poyet has backed Manchester United's decision to keep Michael Carrick as manager, insisting the club's real problem lies in the boardroom rather than with the coach. The former Chelsea and Tottenham player, who also managed Brighton and Sunderland, spoke out after United's hierarchy confirmed Carrick would remain in charge for Saturday's Premier League match against Chelsea.
Carrick's position had appeared under threat following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, which came days after a 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League. Crisis talks involving the Glazers, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and directors Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox concluded that the 45-year-old would continue as manager, avoiding a knee-jerk decision.
Poyet Points to the Core Issue
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."
Emery Suggested as Future Fit
Despite backing the decision not to sack Carrick, Poyet offered his view on a potential successor should the former midfielder's position become untenable. He named Aston Villa boss Unai Emery as a good fit for the role.
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."
Attracting Emery to Old Trafford, particularly mid-season, appears unlikely. Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, both currently out of work, remain the two names heavily linked with the United job if Carrick is unable to turn results around.
