Paul Scholes feels 'loads better' after watching Louis van Gaal's side perform like a Manchester United team of old against Newcastle.

The former England midfielder's assessment of his former club was scathing after they only just edged past third-tier Sheffield United in Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie at Old Trafford.

A clearly frustrated and emotional Scholes said United's players looked bored after a 1-0 cup win that 'was not good enough'.

Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring in Manchester United's thrilling 3-3 draw with Newcastle on Tuesday

Rooney scored twice in a clash which saw United perform like the team of old, according to Paul Scholes

Scholes has been scathing of United's recent displays but was buoyed by the performance at St James' Park

Van Gaal's men were unable to follow that up with another victory on Tuesday, but the entertaining 3-3 draw at Newcastle left Scholes feeling much more positive.

'Loads better,' he told BT Sport. 'To go and watch Manchester United, whether it's home or away, is entertainment, it's goals - whether you concede goals or whether you can score goals.

'Tonight that was like watching a Manchester United team. Okay, they didn't win but they should have won, really.

'(Marouane) Fellaini's header - what a chance to make it 4-2 - and Jesse (Lingard) has had a great chance, and that's just what I expect.

Marouane Fellaini was guilty of missing a glorious chance heading straight at Rob Elliot during Tuesday's draw

Louis van Gaal's style of play at Old Trafford has come in for criticism from fans and former players

Scholes watches the action unfold alongside former Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas from the BT studio

'I expect positive play from Manchester United all the time, whether you're at home or away.

'Sometimes it's a little bit easier to do it away from home, actually, when a team comes out at you and really has a go like Newcastle did.