Paul Scholes finally explains controversial Instagram post about Michael Carrick

Paul Scholes has clarified his controversial post about Michael Carrick after Manchester United suffered a first loss under his management last week.

Carrick enjoyed an excellent start to life as caretaker basis at United, winning six out of his first seven games and moving the Red Devils up to third in the Premier League table.

However United's impressive unbeaten run came to an end on Wednesday when they were beaten 2-1 by 10-man Newcastle at St James' Park, with Will Osula scoring a sensational winning goal in stoppage time.

United legend Scholes took to Instagram after the game and appeared to aim a dig at ex teammate Carrick when he wrote: "Michael has definitely got something special about him... cos United have been c**p last 4 games. Night."

He also put the name of Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and attached a loveheart emoji to profess his admiration for the Italian.

Scholes' claims quickly circulated on social media and on newspapers, with a number of former players reacting.

On the latest episode of the Good, Bad, the Football alongside Nicky Butt, host Paddy McGuinness and special guest Wes Brown, Scholes explained his comments and revealed that he spoke to Carrick over the post.

"It was in no way intended to be offensive towards Michael. Michael is one of the nicest people you will ever meet in football. He'd be the last person you'd want to offend.

"I messaged Michael anyway. I went straight to Michael and said, 'Look, I was never intending to upset you' and I don't think I needed to say that anyway.

"And he told me he wasn't upset by it. I think people have just took it differently from what was meant. The only thing I was saying, was that I don't think they played that well the last four games and he's still managing to get results.

"We had the greatest manager in the world and he always said sometimes you need a bit of luck - with sending offs and different things that happen through games.

"Sometimes you do need a bit of luck, that's all I was saying.

"I was saying he's a very talented manager because he's getting results with a team, that for the last four games, since the West Ham game - I didn't think was playing very well. That's all."

United's defeat in the North East saw them miss out on the chance to move three points clear of misfiring Aston Villa.

But the 13-time Premier League winners could secure that cushion on Sunday when they host Unai Emery's men at Old Trafford in a battle between third and fourth.