Luke Shaw was the apparent target of Jose Mourinho's criticsm

Adam Lallana has defended former team-mate Luke Shaw from apparent criticism by Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

Shaw and centre-back Chris Smalling appeared to be the subject of Mourinho's disapproval after United's 3-1 win at Swansea, which the left-back missed with injury.

Mourinho argued there are those who are brave and "ones for whom a little pain can make a difference."

But Lallana says Shaw - who missed much of last season after breaking his leg in September last year - is a tough player both mentally and physically.

Adam Lallana says Shaw is mentally and physically strong

"I was with Luke Shaw at Southampton," he told the Daily Star.

"He's a very strong boy. He's had a horrific leg injury. You don't come back from that without being mentally and physically strong.

"You don't come back from a leg break like he had without having difficult times mentally on your own."