Man Utd news: Charlie Adam says Jose Mourinho's criticism should be embraced by his players (Image: GETTY/SKY SPORTS)
That is the opinion of Stoke midfielder and former Scotland international Charlie Adam.
United boss Mourinho last week singled out four of his first-team squad in an interview with Spanish outlet Univision.
The Portuguese said: “When we talk about Luke Shaw, (Anthony) Martial, (Jesse) Lingard, Marcus Rashford, we’re talking about young lads but who also are still missing a word that I can’t use.
“They are missing a bit of that. Character, personality, as they say in Spain as well, bad blood, that natural aggression."
They’re playing for Manchester United, they should embrace it. Go and show that passion and that pride
Charlie Adam on four Man Utd stars
Some pundits and ex-players have criticised Jose Mourinho for the public criticism of his squad.
But Adam believes it is now down to the Shaw, Martial, Lingard and Rashford to prove they have got what it takes to play for United.
“I always believe in a different way,” Adam said on Sky Sports.
“You take that criticism on board, you don’t hide from it.
Man Utd news: Adam says Jose Mourinho must be proved wrong by his players (Image: SKY SPORTS)
Man Utd news: Jesse Lingard was one of four players singled out by manager Jose Mourinho (Image: GETTY)
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“You embrace it, you go and show people and show your manager that he’s wrong to judge you like that.
“I had a tough upbringing with from my dad and he was onto me constantly.
“Are these younger players getting that these days? I don’t know.
“There are so many different characters (nowadays). You’ve got to be a little bit more gentle in how you approach things and how you speak to people and how you are.